Inflected forms: pl. pal·sies 1. Complete or partial muscle paralysis, often accompanied by loss of sensation and uncontrollable body movements or tremors. 2a. 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).
TRANSITIVE VERB:
Inflected forms: pal·sied, pal·sy·ing, pal·sies 1a. To paralyze. b. To deprive of strength. 2. To make helpless, as with fear.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English palsie, alteration of Old French paralisie, alteration of Latin paralysis. See paralysis.
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