# paralysis

/pɝˈæɫəsəs/ (US) · /pəɹˈæləsˌɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paralysis
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. medical condition

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the loss of the ability to move some or all of your body, often caused by illness or injury.

For teachers: the complete loss of voluntary muscle function in one or more parts of the body, typically resulting from nervous system damage.

- After the accident, he suffered from permanent paralysis in his legs.
- The patient exhibited signs of temporary paralysis following the spinal procedure, though doctors expected a full recovery within weeks.

Usage: Often used with 'of' to specify the body part, such as 'paralysis of the lower limbs'.

### 2. unable to act

noun · CEFR B2

a state where you are unable to make a decision or take action because of fear or confusion.

For teachers: a state of powerlessness or inability to act, often resulting from indecision, fear, or overwhelming complexity.

- The government was in a state of paralysis and could not pass any new laws.
- Analysis paralysis occurs when an individual becomes so overwhelmed by options that they are unable to reach a final decision.

Usage: Commonly appears in the phrase 'analysis paralysis' or 'political paralysis'.

## Examples

- The accident caused temporary paralysis in his left arm.
- Fear of making the wrong choice led to a state of analysis paralysis, preventing the team from launching the product.
- The sudden collapse of the national power grid caused a total paralysis of the city's transport infrastructure, leaving thousands of commuters stranded without any means of communication.

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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.