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
The amendment essentially asks political appointees to commit political career suicide while navigating a constitutional crisis — a recipe for paralysis and politicization when decisive action is needed most.
—
Lynn Schmidt, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
If left untreated, these infections can progress from the outer ear and lead to serious complications such as deafness, facial paralysis, or balance problems.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Research from behavioral economics provides robust evidence that excessive options create decision paralysis and reduce overall market participation.
—Sajal Singh, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
In rare serious cases, the virus invades the nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), paralysis or death.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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Lynn Schmidt, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
If left untreated, these infections can progress from the outer ear and lead to serious complications such as deafness, facial paralysis, or balance problems.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Research from behavioral economics provides robust evidence that excessive options create decision paralysis and reduce overall market participation.
—Sajal Singh, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
In rare serious cases, the virus invades the nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), paralysis or death.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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