paralysis

[puh-ral-uh-sis]

noun

plural

paralyses 

1. Pathology.

   1. a loss or impairment of voluntary movement in a body part, caused by injury or disease of the nerves, brain, or spinal cord.

   2. a disease characterized by this, especially palsy.

2. a state of helpless stoppage, inactivity, or inability to act.

   The strike caused a paralysis of all shipping.

paralysis

/ pəˈrælɪsɪs /

noun

1. pathol

   1. impairment or loss of voluntary muscle function or of sensation ( sensory paralysis ) in a part or area of the body, usually caused by a lesion or disorder of the muscles or the nerves supplying them

   2. a disease characterized by such impairment or loss; palsy

2. cessation or impairment of activity

   paralysis of industry by strikes

paralysis

1. Loss or impairment of voluntary movement or sensation in a part of the body, usually as a result of neurologic injury or disease.

paralysis

1. The loss of voluntary movement in a body part. Paralysis results from damage to the nerves that supply the affected part of the body.

Other Word Forms

• nonparalysis noun
• semiparalysis noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralysis¹

before 1150; < Latin < Greek parálysis, equivalent to paraly-, var stem of paralȳ́ein to loosen (i.e., disable) on one side ( para- para- ¹ + lȳ́ein to loosen) + -sis -sis; replacing Middle English paralisi ( e ) < Old French < Latin, as above; replacing late Old English paralisin (accusative) < Latin, as above; palsy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralysis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek paralusis; see _para- ¹ , _-lysis

Example Sentences

A weakening labour market, combined with persistent home affordability challenges, could keep the housing market in a state of paralysis.

From BBC

The virus can attack the nervous system and lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and, in rare cases, even death.

From Los Angeles Times

Questions about how it will all play out have left the US central bank in a state of paralysis, as it waits for data to clarify what's happening before making a move on interest rates.

From BBC

"The key factor is the ability to take what's learned in the classroom and apply it at elite speed on the field because players can overthink it, there can be paralysis by analysis," she added.

From BBC

Common symptoms of Lyme disease are fever, rash, facial paralysis, an irregular heartbeat, and arthritis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apathy 
• laziness 
• passivity 
• sluggishness www.thesaurus.com