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 fundamental sources of our troubles, going back half a century, are economic inequality, political paralysis, corruption, mass immigration, and cultural and technological upheavals.
—
George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
In 2006 a consortium of researchers called BrainGate reported that a BCI allowed people with paralysis to control a computer cursor and operate a prosthetic hand.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
This technology is currently primarily aimed at helping restore quality of life for patients who’ve suffered things like spinal cord injuries, paralysis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or stroke damage.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
One in 200 infections lead to paralysis, according to the World Health Organization.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
In 2006 a consortium of researchers called BrainGate reported that a BCI allowed people with paralysis to control a computer cursor and operate a prosthetic hand.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
This technology is currently primarily aimed at helping restore quality of life for patients who’ve suffered things like spinal cord injuries, paralysis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or stroke damage.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
One in 200 infections lead to paralysis, according to the World Health Organization.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 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 Mar. 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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