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
One of the most alarming of these is sleep paralysis, a condition that occurs more than many realize.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 May 2026
That was March 5, nine days after Morrison had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare complication of shingles, which had attacked the cranial nerve in his brain and caused paralysis on the right-hand side of his face.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 May 2026
And in a low-hire, low-fire market where the math genuinely doesn’t favor moving, that paralysis — quiet, invisible, and structurally rational — may be one of the most consequential labor stories of 2026.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
But the solution cannot be paralysis or unnecessary delay.
—Michelle De La Uz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 May 2026
That was March 5, nine days after Morrison had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare complication of shingles, which had attacked the cranial nerve in his brain and caused paralysis on the right-hand side of his face.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 May 2026
And in a low-hire, low-fire market where the math genuinely doesn’t favor moving, that paralysis — quiet, invisible, and structurally rational — may be one of the most consequential labor stories of 2026.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
But the solution cannot be paralysis or unnecessary delay.
—Michelle De La Uz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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