Pa*ral"y*sis (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to loosen, dissolve, or disable at the side; para` 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.

• A condition where the sufferer cannot move a part of his or her body (one or more limbs, e.g.).