as in disability
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of paralysis Speaking anonymously to Newsweek, the individual described the atmosphere inside Iran as one of fear, paralysis, and exhaustion. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 Because the deep plane technique involves a more extensive dissection of tissues under and around facial nerves, Kaplan cautioned that the biggest risk is facial paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 This could result in serious health complications, such as: vomiting, lack of coordination and balance, and in rare cases, partial paralysis, collapse and even death, says Martin. Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Related article Counterfeit or mishandled Botox injections linked to harmful reactions in nine states Botulism is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
  • Better yet, invite people with disabilities to provide input during the design phase of a building.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • And in Kansas, 30% of children, 30% of adults with disabilities and 58% of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Police have said the pickup driver did not show signs of impairment and is cooperating with the investigation.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 4 July 2025
  • The result is that people are unable to participate not simply because of an impairment, but because of an environment that does not accommodate or appreciate their unique attributes.
    Mark Salzer, The Conversation, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • The Emmy-winning composer died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles following an eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Clausen’s daughter told the Hollywood Reporter.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • For example, in the hand tendon-transfer surgery for high median-ulnar palsy, one muscle is sutured to all four finger flexor tendons.
    Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Mar. 2018
Noun
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in my responses and give me tips for responding with a problem-solving, curious mindset next time.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The currency pair is expected to swing both ways as the Taiwan dollar gets caught between speculation of central bank intervention and weakness in the greenback, Lim added.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025

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“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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