- Paralysis is a state of being unable to act or react, or the loss of motion or feeling in certain parts of your body.
- 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.
paralysis definition by Webster's New World
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: Classical Latin ; from Classical Greek paralysis ; from paralyein, to loosen, dissolve, or weaken at the side: see para- and amp; lysis
paralysis definition by American Heritage Dictionary
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.
