ˈpɔ:lzɪ n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 paralysis, esp. withinvoluntary tremors. 2 a a condition of utter helplessness. b a cause of this. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 affect with palsy. 2 renderhelpless. [ME pa(r)lesi f. OF paralisie ult. f. L paralysis: see PARALYSIS]