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.
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
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
noun pl. pa·ral·y·ses
- 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: Latin, from Greek paralusis, from paralūein, to disable, loosen : para-, on one side; see para-1 + lūein, to release; see leu- in Indo-European roots.
paralysis - Cultural Definition
The loss of voluntary movement in a body part. Paralysis results from damage to the nerves that supply the affected part of the body.
paralysis - Medical Definition
noun pl. pa·ral·y·ses
- Loss of power of voluntary movement in a muscle through injury or through disease of its nerve supply.
- Loss of sensation over a region of the body.
paralysis - Science Definition
Loss or impairment of voluntary movement or sensation in a part of the body, usually as a result of neurologic injury or disease.
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