paralysis

American  

[puh-ral-uh-sis] / pəˈræl ə sɪs /

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.

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paralysis British  

/ 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

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paralysis Scientific  

/ pə-răl′ĭ-sĭs /

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

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paralysis Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonparalysis noun
• semiparalysis noun

Etymology

Origin of paralysis

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; cf. palsy ¹

Compare meaning

How does paralysis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• paresis vs. paralysis

Explanation

Paralysis is the inability to move part of your body. It's actually fairly common for people to have short periods of paralysis while they sleep. Paralysis is the experience of being paralyzed, or unable to move part or all of your body. There are medical conditions that can cause paralysis. You can also use paralysis to describe the inability to act, like the paralysis of a city during a big snowstorm, or the paralysis of the school play's star, suddenly struck with stage fright.

Example Sentences

My vocal cords were mostly moving as they should be, ruling out vocal cord paralysis or other pathologies.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

You are also suffering from a very modern malady: decision paralysis.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

It affects a person years after a measles infection, often starting with mobility issues and progressing to paralysis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Symptoms often include seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, and delayed development.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

People spraying their lawns with 2,4-D and becoming wet with spray have occasionally developed severe neuritis and even paralysis.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• apathy
• laziness
• passivity
• sluggishness