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
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
Len hopes her story raises awareness of the early signs of stroke—such as vision distortion, limb paralysis, or facial drooping—and the importance of seeking help immediately.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Neuralink’s trials aim to test the safety and effectiveness of the chip in individuals aged 22 to 75 with paralysis from spinal cord injuries or ALS.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
The symptoms are flu-like, including a fever, headache and fatigue, which can develop into delirium, paralysis and death.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
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Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Len hopes her story raises awareness of the early signs of stroke—such as vision distortion, limb paralysis, or facial drooping—and the importance of seeking help immediately.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Neuralink’s trials aim to test the safety and effectiveness of the chip in individuals aged 22 to 75 with paralysis from spinal cord injuries or ALS.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
The symptoms are flu-like, including a fever, headache and fatigue, which can develop into delirium, paralysis and death.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 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 29 Jul. 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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