Paralysis
/pəˈræ.lɪ.sɪs/noun
A state of inability to move or feel in part or most of the body.
Did you know?In ancient medicine, paralysis was often thought to be a punishment from the gods, linking it to divine retribution or curses.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lēi-
“to loosen or release.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
παράλυσις (parálusis)
“the act of loosening or disabling.”
Late Latin
Latin
paralysis
“loss of voluntary motion.”
Middle English
English
paralysie
“the state of being paralyzed; inability to move.”
Modern English
English
paralysis
“a condition characterized by loss of movement or sensation.”