Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move and feel in all or part of your body.
...paralysis of the leg. [+ of]
2. uncountable noun
Paralysis is the state of being unable to act or function properly.
The paralysis of the leadership leaves the army without its supreme command. [+ of]
...a kind of mental paralysis.
More Synonyms of paralysis
paralysis in British English
(pəˈrælɪsɪs)
nounWord forms: plural-ses (-ˌsiːz)
1. pathology
a.
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
b.
a disease characterized by such impairment or loss; palsy
2.
cessation or impairment of activity
paralysis of industry by strikes
Word origin
C16: via Latin from Greek paralusis; see para-1, -lysis
paralysis in American English
(pəˈræləsɪs)
nounWord forms: pluralpaˈralyˌses (pəˈræləˌsiz)
1.
partial or complete loss, or temporary interruption, of a function, esp. of voluntary motion or of sensation in some part or all of the body
2.
any condition of helpless inactivity or of inability to act
Word origin
L < Gr paralysis < paralyein, to loosen, dissolve, or weaken at the side: see para-1 & lysis
Examples of 'paralysis' in a sentence
paralysis
It can lead to facial paralysis, deafness and blindness as nerves are put under pressure by the bones.
The Sun (2016)
It can lead to facial paralysis, deafness and blindness as nerves are put under pressureby the bones.
The Sun (2016)
Motor neurone disease causes steady paralysis of the body while leaving the mind clear and sharp.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Large slipped discs can also cause muscle paralysis and loss of bladder control.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He was suffering temporary partial paralysis in his legs.
The Sun (2010)
He experienced pain and partial paralysis down his leg.
The Sun (2010)
The initial difficulties will last as long as there is political paralysis.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Extreme symptoms are paralysis or loss of sight.
The Sun (2012)
Political paralysis is to blame in two of the three.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is the worry that political paralysis could lead to business paralysis.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They suffer progressive paralysis and the film shows them lurching from side to side as they become unable to walk properly.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Doctors have told her that she was lucky not to suffer permanent paralysis and she has since made an almost complete recovery.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Its users can suffer paralysis, fits and heart failure.
The Sun (2012)
At home, he brought stability that turned into political paralysis.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He suffered temporary paralysis down his left-hand side and said that he felt he was going to die.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I can slowly feel the paralysis down my left side easing.
The Sun (2008)
If we are to do anything to protect our grandchildren, we must confront this history of political paralysis.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The rest suffer from a range of symptoms if the virus enters the blood stream, including muscle weakness and paralysis.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But the refugees were to have their hopes dashed once again as Europe was gripped by political paralysis over the crisis.
The Sun (2015)
A little thought in advance about the likely questions should reduce the chances of this kind of mental paralysis gripping you.
Fletcher, Clive How to Face Interviews (1981)
Will Americans accept slow growth, rising inequality and political paralysis?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He endured the agony of his father's death in 2004 that affected him so badly he suffered temporary paralysis of his face.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
We will cover you for loss or paralysis of limbs... but only if TWO are affected.
The Sun (2012)
A clot or bleeding deprives parts of the brain of blood, causing numbness, paralysis or speech loss.
The Sun (2013)
Drinking excessive amounts of cola can lead to health problems such as muscle paralysis, an irregular heartbeat and bone weakness, a study has found.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
paralysis
British English: paralysis NOUN
Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move and feel in all or part of your body.
...paralysis of the leg.
American English: paralysis
Brazilian Portuguese: paralisia
Chinese: 瘫痪
European Spanish: parálisis
French: paralysie
German: Lähmung
Italian: paralisi
Japanese: 麻痺
Korean: 마비
European Portuguese: paralisia
Latin American Spanish: parálisis
Chinese translation of 'paralysis'
paralysis
(pəˈrælɪsɪs) (Med)
n(u)
瘫(癱)痪(瘓) (tānhuàn)
1 (noun)
Definition
inability to move all or part of the body due to damage to the nervous system
paralysis of the legs
Synonyms
immobility
palsy
paresis (pathology)
2 (noun)
Definition
a state of inactivity
The unions have brought about a total paralysis of trade.
Synonyms
standstill
Production is more or less at a standstill.
breakdown
The trip was plagued by breakdowns.
stoppage
a seven-hour stoppage by air-traffic controllers
shutdown
halt
Air traffic has been brought to a halt.
stagnation
inactivity
Additional synonyms
in the sense of breakdown
The trip was plagued by breakdowns.
Synonyms
hitch,
disturbance,
disruption,
interruption,
stoppage,
mishap,
impediment,
hindrance
in the sense of halt
Definition
a temporary standstill
Air traffic has been brought to a halt.
Synonyms
stop,
end,
close,
break,
stand,
arrest,
pause,
interruption,
impasse,
standstill,
stoppage,
termination
in the sense of inactivity
Synonyms
sloth,
vegetation,
inertia,
stagnation,
lethargy,
laziness,
dullness,
torpor,
heaviness,
sluggishness,
indolence,
lassitude,
quiescence,
dilatoriness,
inertness,
dolce far niente
Synonyms of 'paralysis'
paralysis
Explore 'paralysis' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of stoppage
Definition
the act of stopping something or the state of being stopped