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Definition of paralysis noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

paralysis

noun
 
/pəˈræləsɪs/
 
/pəˈræləsɪs/
(plural paralyses
 
/pəˈræləsiːz/
 
/pəˈræləsiːz/
)
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  1. [uncountable, countable] a loss of control of, and sometimes feeling in, part or most of the body, caused by disease or an injury to the nerves
    • paralysis of both legs
    Extra Examples
    • Polio can cause paralysis and sometimes death.
    • The snake's venom induces instant paralysis.
    • stroke patients who have suffered partial paralysis
    Topics Health problemsc2, Disabilityc2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • complete
    • partial
    • permanent
    • …
    verb + paralysis
    • suffer from
    • cause
    • induce
    • …
    See full entry
  2. [uncountable] the condition of being unable to move, act, function, etc.
    • The strike caused total paralysis in the city.
    • The crisis over the constitution may lead to political paralysis.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • complete
    • emotional
    • political
    • …
    See full entry
    3. Word Originlate Old English, via Latin from Greek paralusis, from paraluesthai ‘be disabled at the side’, from para ‘beside’ + luein ‘loosen’.
See paralysis in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: paralysis

Nearby words

dizzy
adjective
 
 
From the Topic
Health problems
C1
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