Palsied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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palsied
[ˈpɔːlzid ]
Definition
medical condition
Palsied refers to being affected by paralysis or a similar condition affecting movement. It is often used to describe a state where a part of the body is unable to move due to nerve damage or other medical conditions. The term is often associated with historical and literary references rather than modern medical terminology. In modern use, it might describe severe weakness or loss of control over bodily movements.
Synonyms
disabled, impeded, paralyzed, weakened.
Examples of usage
- He was left palsied after the stroke.
- The palsied hand struggled to grasp the pen.
- She spoke of her palsied leg with a sense of acceptance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Conditions that can cause palsy include stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.
- In medical terms, 'palsy' refers broadly to paralysis, which can affect motion and muscle control.
- Differentiating types of palsy can help in understanding underlying causes and appropriate treatments.
Historical Context
- Palsy has been recognized since ancient times; references to it appear in Hippocratic texts.
- Notable historical figures, such as painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, lived with conditions that caused palsy, influencing their art.
Literature
- Charles Dickens often depicted characters with disabilities, including palsy, to evoke sympathy and highlight societal issues.
- In Shakespeare's works, references to physical ailments are frequently used to develop characters and themes.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'The Intouchables' explore relationships involving characters with physical disabilities, shedding light on living with palsy.
- TV shows often include characters with diverse abilities, including those experiencing palsy, to promote representation.
Origin of 'palsied'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'palsied' comes from the Middle English word 'palsi', meaning to be paralyzed.
- Rooted in the Latin word 'paralysis', which denotes the loss of the ability to move a body part.
The word 'palsied' comes from the Old French word 'palsy', which is derived from the late Latin word 'pallia', meaning 'to be paralyzed'. The term began to appear in English around the late 14th century when medical understanding was limited, and it primarily referred to anyone suffering from paralysis or severe weakness. Its usage has expanded over the centuries to encompass any form of inability to control bodily functions due to nerve damage or other medical issues. Furthermore, it has taken on a metaphorical meaning in literature and colloquial speech, often used to describe situations leading to a loss of function or control. The evolution of this term reflects broader changes in how society understands and discusses disabilities and health conditions.