Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Paralysis \Pa*ral"y*sis\, n. [L., fr. Gr. para`lysis, fr.
paraly`ein to loosen, dissolve, or disable at the side; para`
beside + ly`ein to loosen. See Para-, and Loose, and cf.
Palsy.] (Med.)
Abolition of function, whether complete or partial; esp., the
loss of the power of voluntary motion, with or without that
of sensation, in any part of the body; palsy. See
Hemiplegia, and Paraplegia. Also used figuratively; as,
paralysis of the will. "Utter paralysis of memory." --G.
Eliot.
[1913 Webster]
Mischievous practices arising out of the paralysis of
the powers of ownership. --Duke of
Argyll (1887).
[1913 Webster]