- paralysis
- 1520s, from Gk. paralysis, lit. "loosening," from paralyein "disable, enfeeble," from para- "beside" + lyein "loosen, untie," cognate with L. luere "to loose, release, atone for, expiate," O.E. for-leosan "to lose, destroy," losian "to perish, be lost" (see lose). Earlier form was paralysie (late 14c., see palsy). O.E. equivalent was lyft adl (see left (adj.)).