cerebral palsy

noun

Synonyms of cerebral palsy

: a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances

cerebral-palsied

sə-ˈrē-brəl-ˈpȯl-zēd

ˈser-ə-,

ˈse-rə-

adjective

Examples of cerebral palsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Research has shown that the therapeutic use of horseback riding can improve balance and coordination in people who have neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, and lessen the symptoms for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. — Ondine Cohane, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026 And for those with developmental disabilities, such as autism and cerebral palsy, the benefits of being employed can hold even more weight. — John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 The character had cerebral palsy, as did Mitte, who was diagnosed at age 3. — Marisela Cruz, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Oct. 2026 According to Weisbrod, Layton is expected to have cerebral palsy and may never walk. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cerebral palsy

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cerebral palsy was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cerebral palsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerebral%20palsy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cerebral palsy

noun

: a disease resulting from damage to the brain usually before or during birth and resulting in imperfect control of muscles, paralysis, and speech disturbances

Medical Definition

cerebral palsy

noun

: a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances see ataxic cerebral palsy, athetoid cerebral palsy, spastic cerebral palsy

cerebral palsied adjective

cerebral palsy

noun

Examples of cerebral palsy in a Sentence

Word History

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