pal·sy (pôl z )n. pl. pal·sies 1. Complete or partial muscle paralysis, often accompanied by loss of sensation and uncontrollable body movements or tremors. 2. a. A weakening or debilitating influence. b. An enfeebled condition or debilitated state thought to result from such an influence. 3. A fit of strong emotion marked by the inability to act: "Flaherty dithered in a little palsy of indignation" Anthony Burgess. tr.v. pal·sied, pal·sy·ing, pal·sies 1. a. To paralyze. b. To deprive of strength. 2. To make helpless, as with fear.
[Middle English palsie, alteration of Old French paralisie, alteration of Latin paralysis; see paralysis.] |
palsy [pawl-zee] Noun
Pathol paralysis of a specified type: cerebral palsy [Old French paralisie]
palsied adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | palsy - loss of the ability to move a body partalalia - paralysis of the vocal cords resulting in an inability to speak diplegia - paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body disfunction, dysfunction - (medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group; "erectile dysfunction"; "sexual relationship dysfunction" paresis - a slight or partial paralysis paraplegia - paralysis of the lower half of the body (most often as a result of trauma) |
| 2. | palsy - a condition marked by uncontrollable tremorsymptom - (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease |
| Verb | 1. | palsy - affect with palsyparalyse, paralyze - cause to be paralyzed and immobile; "The poison paralyzed him"; "Fear paralyzed her" |