paralysis

Paralysis is a state of being unable to act or react, or the loss of motion or feeling in certain parts of your body.

(noun)

When you are given shocking news about the death of your husband and you are unable to move or react, this is an example of paralysis.
When you sever your spinal cord and you can no longer move your legs or feel things below your waist, this is an example of paralysis.

See paralysis in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. paralyses

partial or complete loss, or temporary interruption, of a function, esp. of voluntary motion or of sensation in some part or all of the body
any condition of helpless inactivity or of inability to act

Origin: L < Gr paralysis < paralyein, to loosen, dissolve, or weaken at the side: see para- & lysis

See paralysis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. pa·ral·y·ses (-sēzˌ)

a. Loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part, usually as a result of damage to its nerve supply.
b. Loss of sensation over a region of the body.
Inability to move or function; total stoppage or severe impairment of activity: fear that led to national paralysis.

Origin:

Origin: Latin

Origin: , from Greek paralusis

Origin: , from paralūein, to disable, loosen

Origin: : para-, on one side; see para-¹

Origin: + lūein, to release; see leu- in Indo-European roots

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