paresis vs. paralysis

paresis

noun

Pathology.

  1. partial motor paralysis.

  2. a late manifestation of syphilis, characterized by progressive dementia and paralysis.

paralysis

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.