Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paralysis \Pa*ral"y*sis\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to loosen,
   dissolve, or disable at the side; ? beside + ? 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.
   ``Utter paralysis of memory.'' --G. Eliot.

         Mischievous practices arising out of the paralysis of
         the powers of ownership.                 --Duke of
                                                  Argyll (1887).

Source : WordNet®

paralysis
     n : loss of the ability to move a body part [syn: {palsy}]
     [also: {paralyses} (pl)]