Paralysis

Paralysis

Noun · /pəˈræl.ɪ.sɪs/

Definition

(1) (Medicine) the complete or partial loss of muscle function and sensation in part of the body, caused by damage to the nervous system — including stroke, spinal cord injury, and disease. (2) Figuratively: a state of complete inability to act, move, or function — a paralysis of decision-making, political paralysis, analysis paralysis.

Origin

From Latin paralysis, from Greek parálysis — from para (beside, abnormally) + lysis (a loosening, a releasing) — from lyein (to loosen). Paralysis therefore meaning an abnormal loosening — the loosening of the connection between will and muscle, between command and action. Appearing in English from the late fifteenth century, initially in the medical sense and expanding to the figurative sense from the sixteenth century onwards.