adjective
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of, relating to, or of the nature of paralysis
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afflicted with or subject to paralysis
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informal very drunk
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of paralytic
1300–50; Middle English paralitik < Latin paralyticus < Greek paralytikós, equivalent to paraly- ( see paralysis) + -tikos -tic
Vocabulary lists containing paralytic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since 1903, 582 total cases — including 39 deaths — have been attributed to paralytic shellfish poisoning in California.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2025
“Every paralytic polio case means there are hundreds of children who are silently affected by poliovirus and are potentially carrying and spreading it throughout their communities,” she added.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2024
"We find paralytic shellfish toxins in our shellfish pretty much year-round at this point."
From Science Daily ● Mar. 21, 2024
There’s all sorts of interpretations about what actually happens after the paralytic.
From Slate ● Feb. 1, 2024
Lanning clicked on communications with an almost paralytic spasm.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
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