n.
Pronunciation: p ə - ' ra-l ə -s ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -y · ses \ - ˌ s ē z \
Etymology: Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen ― more at LOSE
Date: 1525
1 : complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body
2 : loss of the ability to move
3 : a state of powerlessness or incapacity to act