pa·ral·y·sis (p?-r?l??-s?s)n. pl. pa·ral·y·ses (-s?z?) 1. a. Loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part, usually as a result of damage to its nerve supply.b. Loss of sensation over a region of the body.2. Inability to move or function; total stoppage or severe impairment of activity: fear that led to national paralysis.[Latin, from Greek paralusis, from paral?ein, to disable, loosen : para-, on one side; see para-1 + l?ein, to release; see leu- in Indo-European roots.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.paralysis (p??ræl?s?s) n, pl -ses (-?si?z) 1. (Pathology) pathol a. impairment or loss of voluntary muscle function or of sensation (sensory paralysis) in a part or area of the body, usually caused by a lesion or disorder of the muscles or the nerves supplying themb. a disease characterized by such impairment or loss; palsy2. cessation or impairment of activity: paralysis of industry by strikes. [C16: via Latin from Greek paralusis; see para-1, -lysis]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014pa?ral?y?sis (p??ræl ? s?s) n., pl. -ses (-?siz) 1. a. a loss or impairment of movement or sensation in a body part, caused by injury or disease of the nerves, brain, or spinal cord. b. a disease characterized by this, esp. palsy. 2. a state of helpless stoppage or inability to act. [1515?25;