# abasia

/əˈbeɪʒjə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abasia
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the inability to walk because you cannot coordinate your muscles properly. It is usually caused by a problem in the brain or nerves rather than a lack of strength.

For teachers: an inability to walk due to a lack of muscular coordination, typically resulting from neurological impairment or psychological factors. Often distinguished from paralysis as the physical strength to move remains intact.

## Examples

- The patient showed signs of abasia after the head injury.
- Doctors diagnosed the patient with abasia after observing that he could move his legs while lying down but could not walk.
- While the neurological exam showed no loss of motor power or sensation, the patient's profound abasia suggested a functional or psychogenic origin for the gait disturbance.

## Usage notes

- Often used in medical contexts alongside 'astasia' (the inability to stand) to form the term 'astasia-abasia'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.