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
When gone untreated, Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms depending on the stage of infection, including fever, rash, facial paralysis, irregular heartbeat and arthritis.
—
Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
There are three stages of Lyme disease, which can include flu-like symptoms, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, arthritis, facial nerve paralysis, ongoing joint pain, fatigue, depression, palpitations, and other neurological, rheumatological and cardiac involvement.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
Lyme disease, commonly transmitted through tick bites, can initially cause flu-like symptoms but may escalate to include joint swelling, brain fog, nerve damage, and even facial paralysis if untreated, according to Mayo Clinic.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 31 July 2025
The progressive paralysis in dogs can be caused by vaccinations, a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection, exposure to bacteria from raw poultry, or raccoon saliva.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
There are three stages of Lyme disease, which can include flu-like symptoms, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, arthritis, facial nerve paralysis, ongoing joint pain, fatigue, depression, palpitations, and other neurological, rheumatological and cardiac involvement.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
Lyme disease, commonly transmitted through tick bites, can initially cause flu-like symptoms but may escalate to include joint swelling, brain fog, nerve damage, and even facial paralysis if untreated, according to Mayo Clinic.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 31 July 2025
The progressive paralysis in dogs can be caused by vaccinations, a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection, exposure to bacteria from raw poultry, or raccoon saliva.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 5 Aug. 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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