palsy
/ˈpɔlzi/
noun
- A medical condition that causes a person to lose control over the movement of a part of their body, often resulting in shaking or weakness.
- Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination from birth.
- The old man's palsy made it difficult for him to hold a cup steady.
- The stroke left him with a slight palsy in his left hand.
- A state of being unable to act or function normally; paralysis or helplessness.
- The government's palsy in responding to the crisis frustrated many citizens.
- Fear caused a palsy in the team's decision-making process.
- The economy seemed to be in a palsy, with no new jobs being created.
Synonyms
verb
- To cause someone or something to become unable to move or function normally; to paralyze.
- A sudden shock palsied his legs, and he could not stand up.
- The scandal palsied the company's ability to attract new investors.
- The cold weather palsied the workers' fingers, making it hard to do their jobs.