paralysis

[puh-ral-uh-sis] / pəˈræl ə sɪs /

NOUN

depression

Synonyms

STRONG

bankruptcy bust crash crisis deflation dislocation downturn drop failure inactivity inflation overproduction panic recession retrenchment sag slide slowness slump stagflation stagnation unemployment

WEAK

bad times bear market big trouble hard times rainy days

Antonyms

STRONG

calm increase rise success

WEAK

bulge cheerfulness convexity encouragement happiness hope hopefulness protuberance recovery surge

NOUN

inertia

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathy laziness passivity sluggishness

STRONG

deadness drowsiness dullness idleness immobility immobilization inactivity indolence languor lassitude lethargy listlessness oscitancy sloth stillness stupor torpidity torpor unresponsiveness

Antonyms

STRONG

action busyness liveliness

WEAK

activity animation life moving

NOUN

numbness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathy

STRONG

anesthesia dullness insensibility insensitivity stupefaction stupor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is paid to victims of crime who have suffered severe life-changing injuries, including brain damage and paralysis.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Symptoms often include seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, and delayed development.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

WTO reform has become more urgent with the prolonged paralysis of the organisation's dispute settlement system.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Gulf infrastructure damage and logistical paralysis are now set to postpone these plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

A bite from a coral snake can lead to paralysis and death.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple