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
In severe cases, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.
—
Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
The institute added that the snake's bite is potently neurotoxic, which means its venom can affect the nervous system and cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 6 May 2025
These episodes show a clear pattern: initial optimism about Europe’s prospects leads to a Euro rally, but structural disadvantages—slower growth, policy paralysis, and a more reactive central bank—ultimately drag it down.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The survey had some findings about choice paralysis and overabundance.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
The institute added that the snake's bite is potently neurotoxic, which means its venom can affect the nervous system and cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 6 May 2025
These episodes show a clear pattern: initial optimism about Europe’s prospects leads to a Euro rally, but structural disadvantages—slower growth, policy paralysis, and a more reactive central bank—ultimately drag it down.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The survey had some findings about choice paralysis and overabundance.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 18 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 18 May. 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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