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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Recent Examples of paralysis
This can lead to extreme sickness, weakness, and even paralysis.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
In 1955, a manufacturing failure at Cutter Laboratories in Berkeley, California, produced batches of polio vaccine containing live virus, causing paralysis in dozens of children.
—Jake Scott, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
All three risk paralysis at best and destabilization at worst—and at least one leader could fall.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
As of September, 12 people with severe paralysis worldwide have received Neuralink implants.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
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Applicants should bring an MLGW bill in their name, a recent pay stub, a Social Security income statement or bank statement showing direct deposit, a valid Tennessee state ID or driver’s license to verify age and address, and any disability documentation, if applicable.—
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Eligible individuals for this Meals on Wheels program must be homebound and aged 60 or older, unable to shop for or cook meals and who face challenges due to disability, illness or isolation.—
Noun
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During that period, sociologists viewed illness mostly as a deviation from normal functioning leading to impairments that require treatment.—
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Defense attorney Dmitry Gorin, a former LA County prosecutor, said claiming insanity or mental impairment presents a major challenge for any defense team.—
Noun
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Symptoms can include a rash and flu-like symptoms, with some people going on to experience arthritis, facial palsy, pain, irregular heartbeats and other worsening symptoms.—
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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.—
Noun
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The strengths and weaknesses are always shown in a game like this.—
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According to the Mayo Clinic, CMS is caused by a gene change that results in muscle weakness, which worsens with physical activity.—
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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