paralysis
noun
pa·ral·y·sis
pə-ˈra-lə-səs 
plural paralyses
pə-ˈra-lə-ˌsēz
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
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
The polio virus attacks the nervous system and often leads to paralysis of lower limbs and, in severe cases, the muscles that control breathing.
—
Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Eric Dane Reveals if Cal Jacobs Will Return for 'Euphoria' Season 3: 'There's Gonna Be Redemption'
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The delays caused by health care's complex administrative processes lead to blindness, paralysis, and death.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
But today, the West is in cognitive paralysis, hobbled by bureaucratic inertia, toxic in-fighting, anachronistic legal and ethical constraints, and a crippling fear of escalation.
—Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Eric Dane Reveals if Cal Jacobs Will Return for 'Euphoria' Season 3: 'There's Gonna Be Redemption'
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The delays caused by health care's complex administrative processes lead to blindness, paralysis, and death.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
But today, the West is in cognitive paralysis, hobbled by bureaucratic inertia, toxic in-fighting, anachronistic legal and ethical constraints, and a crippling fear of escalation.
—Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
paralysis
noun
pa·ral·y·sis
pə-ˈral-ə-səs
plural paralyses
-ə-ˌsēz
: 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
plural paralyses
-ˌsēz
: 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
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