as in disability
complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body
the car accident left one athlete with paralysis from the waist down
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralysis
As the speech paralysis progresses, patients cannot ask for help, pose questions, or even thank the people helping them with day-to-day living.
—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025
That suit alleges that Owens has a bullet lodged in his spine and faces possible paralysis.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 16 July 2025
Paying Attention To Emotions Emotionally intelligent leadership requires paying attention to emotions that can drive paralysis in decision-making and indecisive action.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
In rare cases — about 1 in 150 — the virus can cause severe complications like encephalitis or meningitis, which may lead to paralysis, long-term disability or death, according to MCDPH.
—Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025
That suit alleges that Owens has a bullet lodged in his spine and faces possible paralysis.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 16 July 2025
Paying Attention To Emotions Emotionally intelligent leadership requires paying attention to emotions that can drive paralysis in decision-making and indecisive action.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
In rare cases — about 1 in 150 — the virus can cause severe complications like encephalitis or meningitis, which may lead to paralysis, long-term disability or death, according to MCDPH.
—Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
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The same rule applies for students with disabilities that use assistive technology, so long as there is an agreement in place between the school and the child's parent or guardian.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
24 July 2025
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Clubs must provide reasonable adjustments for fans who, through disability, are unable to use digital ticketing, meaning a small subset of supporters will still use physical or e-tickets, but many face the hurdle of an application process.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Technically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the condition is marked by debilitating fatigue that doesn't go away with rest; cognitive impairment such as brain fog and difficulty focusing; sleep disturbances; and pain.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 July 2025
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On the heels of former President Joe Biden dropping out of his 2024 reelection bid after public displays of cognitive impairment, some Democrats said Evers' age could be used against him in a race.—
Molly Beck,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The Emmy-winning composer died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles following an eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Clausen’s daughter told the Hollywood Reporter.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
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For example, in the hand tendon-transfer surgery for high median-ulnar palsy, one muscle is sutured to all four finger flexor tendons.—
Evan Ackerman,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Mar. 2018
Noun
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The head coach may opt to change Fernandes’ midfield partner based on the strengths/weaknesses of opponents.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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Surround yourself with people whose strengths complement your weaknesses.—
Amy Shoenthal,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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