paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈra-lə-səs How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
plural paralyses pə-ˈra-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
Synonyms of paralysisnext
1
: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body
2
: loss of the ability to move
3
: a state of powerlessness or incapacity to act

Synonyms of paralysis

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Examples of paralysis in a Sentence

The disease causes a paralysis of the legs. The whole country is in a state of paralysis. They are trying to end the political paralysis that has been gripping the country.
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.
Together, these approaches transformed the fight against a disease that once caused widespread paralysis and outbreaks, particularly among children. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 In 2020, Kennedy suffered a severe spinal cord injury that caused long-term paralysis and significant health obstacles. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Analysts say this political fragmentation, which led to the paralysis of parliament after snap elections called by Macron in 2024 backfired, is likely to persist – and is at the core of France’s deepening crisis. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026 Washington’s paralysis has left local lawmakers to create their own playbooks to ensure robot cars at least follow some rules of the road. — Andrew Hawkins, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen — more at lose

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paralysis was in 1525

Phrases Containing paralysis

Rhymes for paralysis

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Browse Nearby Words

paralyse
paralysis
paralysis agitans
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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paralysis

noun
pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
plural paralyses -ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving motion or sensation in a part of the body

Medical Definition

paralysis

noun
pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
plural paralyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the power of motion or of sensation in any part of the body see hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on paralysis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paralysis

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