Paralysis — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /pə-ˈra-lə-səs/ pa·ral·y·sis

Meaning & Definition of Paralysis

Paralysis (noun)

  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

Paralysis (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: palsy
    related: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis, debilitation, debility, decrepitude, enfeeblement, feebleness, frailness, frailty, weakness, infirmity, lameness, disability, impairment, diplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis, quadriplegia, spastic paralysis
    near: mobility, motility, sensation

Related Entry: Spastic paralysis (noun)

Spastic paralysis is a different word from Paralysis. The synonyms below are for spastic paralysis, not for paralysis.

  1. as in quadriplegia, paraplegia

    similar: diplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis, quadriplegia, disability, impairment, infirmity, lameness, debilitation, debility, decrepitude, enfeeblement, feebleness, frailness, frailty, weakness, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis, palsy, paralysis
    opposite: mobility, motility, sensation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Paralysis

The most common words with a similar meaning to Paralysis:

palsy

Related Words for Paralysis

cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis, debilitation, debility, decrepitude, enfeeblement, feebleness, frailness, frailty, weakness, infirmity, lameness, disability, impairment, diplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis, quadriplegia, spastic paralysis

Near Antonyms of Paralysis

mobility, motility, sensation

Word Forms of Paralysis

Inflections: paralyses

Origin & Etymology of Paralysis

Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen lose

First known use: 1525

Words & Phrases Containing Paralysis

paralysis agitans, infantile paralysis, spastic paralysis

Frequently Asked Questions about Paralysis

What does "Paralysis" mean?

"Paralysis" means complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body. As a noun, it is defined as: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body.

What is another word for "Paralysis"?

Other words for "Paralysis" include palsy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Paralysis" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Paralysis"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Paralysis". Common alternatives include palsy.

How do you use "Paralysis" in a sentence?

Examples of "Paralysis" in a sentence: "the car accident left one athlete with paralysis from the waist down".

Is "Paralysis" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Paralysis" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Paralysis"?

"Paralysis" is pronounced /pə-ˈra-lə-səs/ and divided into syllables as pa·ral·y·sis.

What is the origin of the word "Paralysis"?

"Paralysis" comes from Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen lose. First known use: 1525.

What is another word for "Paralysis" meaning "complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body"?

When "Paralysis" (noun) means complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body, synonyms include palsy.