palsy
UK[ˈpɔːlzi]US[ˈpɔːlzi]
n
a condition marked by uncontrollable tremor or paralysis of a part of the body.
v
to affect with or as if with paralysis.
Etymology
the word "palsy" has a journey of phonetic erosion and semantic specialization. it entered middle english from the anglo-norman french 'paralisie', a reduced form of the latin 'paralysis'. the latin term was a direct borrowing from greek 'paralusis', derived from 'paraluein' (to disable on one side), which combines 'para-' (beside) and 'luein' (to loosen). over centuries, the initial syllable was clipped in common speech, leading to the shorter form "palsy," which historically conveyed a sense of general paralysis or shaking but has become more associated with specific tremulous conditions like cerebral palsy.
Analysis
the word functions as a simplex unit in modern english. it originates from the anglo-norman french word 'paralisie', itself from latin 'paralysis', which came from greek 'paralusis', meaning "loosening, paralysis".
Examples
the stroke left him with a slight palsy in his left hand.
cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement and posture.
she was palsied with fear at the sight of the oncoming storm.