paralysis
Definitions
Loss of the ability to move part or all of the body, usually caused by nerve or muscle damage
瘫痪，麻痹（身体某部分或全部失去运动能力，通常因神经或肌肉损伤）
A state of being unable to act, decide, or function; a standstill
（行动、决策上的）停滞，瘫痪状态
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpara- (beside, alongside, disordered) + lysis (a loosening, from Greek lyein) = 'a loosening on one side.' Ancient doctors saw one side of the body go slack while the other worked, and described it as muscle control coming 'untied.' The figurative sense follows the same image: when fear or indecision freezes you, your ability to act has gone slack.
Root lyse still carries 11 more wordsUsage Guide
- Pronounced puh-RAL-uh-sis; plural paralyses (puh-RAL-uh-seez), like analysis/analyses.
- The figurative 'analysis paralysis' means overthinking a decision until you can't act on it.
- The verb is paralyze (US) / paralyse (UK); the adjective is paralyzed/paralysed or paralytic.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The stroke left him with paralysis on the left side of his body.
- 2.
Sudden paralysis in the legs is a medical emergency.
- 3.
Too many choices can lead to a kind of decision paralysis.
- 4.
The strike caused complete paralysis of the city's transport.