rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypalsyImpaired muscle control
noun

palsy

PAWL-zee/ˈpɔːlzi/

Loss of muscle control caused by a nervous disorder.

The palsy makes the hand tremble as the person holds a spoon.

An adult steadies a trembling hand with the other while holding a plain spoon over a cup; a few subtle pen vibration marks show involuntary tremor, dignified everyday context.
Etymology
palsyGreekloosening; paralysis

Greek paralysis literally meant “loosening,” with its related verb meaning “disable” or “enfeeble.” Palsy and paralysis share this ancestor, connecting the name with loss of normal bodily function.

In context

Babak Azizzadeh0:44
BELL'S PALSY BASICALLY IS A DISORDER THAT AFFECTS THE NERVE THAT MOVES THE FACE.
Angelina Jolie's Bell's Palsy Recovery - Dr Babak Azizzadeh featured on MichaeLA

More examples

  • He uses a walker because cerebral palsy affects his balance.
  • Bell's palsy weakens the muscles on one side of her face.
  • Physical therapy helps him manage the muscle weakness caused by palsy.

Forms

palsy · palsies

palsied adjective — Affected by palsy or involuntary trembling.

Similar words

paralysis
Specifically means loss of movement, rather than impaired muscle control.
tremor
Means involuntary shaking, not loss of muscle control generally.