Paralysed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paralysed
[ˈpærəlaɪzd ]
Definition
medical condition
Paralysed refers to a state where a person or animal is unable to move parts of their body due to injury or illness affecting the nervous system. This can be complete or partial loss of movement and may affect different parts of the body.
Synonyms
disabled, immobilised, incapacitated.
Examples of usage
- He was paralysed from the waist down after the accident.
- She became paralysed due to a rare disease.
- The paralysed limb required special care.
- He felt paralysed with fear during the storm.
Translations
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Origin of 'paralysed'
The term 'paralysed' derives from the Greek word 'paralyein,' which means 'to disable' or 'to let loose.' This term combines 'para,' meaning 'beside' or 'beyond,' with 'lyein,' meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve.' The use of the word can be traced back to the early 19th century, when medical terminology evolved significantly. Over the years, the application of 'paralysed' has expanded beyond its original medical context to include figurative uses, such as feeling immobilised by emotions like fear or anxiety. This dual usage highlights the versatility of the word in both clinical and everyday language.