Meaning & use

paralysis

noun·Academic

The loss of the ability to move or feel sensation in part or most of the body, usually from nerve damage.

See it in a sentence

The accident left him with partial paralysis in his left leg for several months.

A stroke can cause sudden paralysis on one side of the body.

A note on using this word

Paralysis is also used figuratively for a complete inability to act or make a decision, as in analysis paralysis.

Words with a similar meaning

immobility

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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