noun Uncommon

palsy

PAWL-zee

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Palsy (noun) means Paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling. Example: “Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement from an early age.”

noun

Paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling.

"Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement from an early age."

"His hands trembled from the palsy that had worsened with age."

verb

To paralyse or make unable to move or act normally.

"Fear seemed to palsy his ability to speak."

How to use palsy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA medical condition involving paralysis or loss of muscle control, often with shaking — most familiar today in "cerebral palsy."

Common mistake

Not the same as a general tremor from cold or nerves; "palsy" specifically implies a condition affecting muscle control.

Easily confused with

paralysis →

Common pairings

cerebral palsy Bell's palsy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: palsies
Third person singular: palsies
Past tense: palsied
Comparative: more palsy
Superlative: most palsy

Test yourself on “palsy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Cerebral _____ affects muscle control and movement from an early age.

Etymology

From Old French paralisie, ultimately from Greek paralusis ("disabling on one side") — the same root as "paralysis," which "palsy" is a shortened doublet of.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

View more →

paralysis

Related words

paralysis cripple

Frequently asked questions

What does “palsy” mean?

The word “palsy” means paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling. In plain terms, a medical condition involving paralysis or loss of muscle control, often with shaking — most familiar today in "cerebral palsy.".

How do you pronounce “palsy”?

“Palsy” is pronounced PAWL-zee (/ˈpɔːlzi/ in IPA).

How do you use “palsy” in a sentence?

Here is “palsy” used in a sentence: “Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement from an early age.”

What part of speech is “palsy”?

Depending on how it is used, “palsy” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “palsy” come from?

The word “palsy” comes from Old French. From Old French paralisie, ultimately from Greek paralusis ("disabling on one side") — the same root as "paralysis," which "palsy" is a shortened doublet of.

Is “palsy” a common word?

“Palsy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “palsy” have?

“Palsy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling.

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