palsy
palsy Lexical Profile
palsy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medical condition characterized by complete or partial paralysis in a part of the body, often accompanied by weakness, loss of sensation, and involuntary tremors.
"Physical therapy helped the patient regain mobility after a sudden bout of facial palsy."
A state of helpless inactivity, powerlessness, or inability to act effectively.
"A sense of economic palsy gripped the region as major industries shut down."
• verb
To afflict with paralysis, trembling, or loss of movement.
"The severe nerve injury threatened to palsy his right arm permanently."
To render powerless, ineffective, or unable to act.
"Endless bureaucratic disputes continued to palsy the committee's relief efforts."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern clinical contexts, 'palsy' is rarely used on its own to mean general paralysis, appearing instead in specific medical compound terms such as 'cerebral palsy' or 'Bell's palsy'.
• Rhymes for palsy
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English 'palesie', borrowed from Old French 'paralisie', which derives via Latin from Ancient Greek 'paralysis' ('a loosening or disabling at the side'). Thus, 'palsy' and 'paralysis' are etymological doublets.