paralysis
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paralysis
The medical condition in which the ability to move one or more body parts is completely or partially lost.
Der Unfall führte zu einer vollständigen Lähmung seiner Beine.
The accident led to complete paralysis of his legs.
The word 'Lähmung' (paralysis) comes from the verb 'lähmen' (to paralyze, to make something immobile). The related adjective is 'lahm' (lame). If you know these words, the meaning is easier to understand.
Der Giftstoff kann die Muskeln lähmen.
The toxin can paralyze the muscles.
In a medical context, 'Lähmung' (paralysis) is often described more precisely. Typical combinations are 'vollständige' (complete), 'teilweise' (partial), or 'einseitige Lähmung' (one-sided paralysis), as well as 'an einer Lähmung leiden' (to suffer from paralysis).
Seit dem Schlaganfall leidet er an einer einseitigen Lähmung.
Since the stroke, he has suffered from one-sided paralysis.
In a figurative sense, 'Lähmung' (paralysis) describes a standstill. The word is then combined with abstract nouns such as 'Wirtschaft' (economy), 'Verkehr' (traffic/transport), or 'Politik' (politics).
Der Generalstreik führte zu einer vollständigen Lähmung der Wirtschaft.
The general strike led to a complete paralysis of the economy.
standstill
'Stillstand' and 'Lähmung' can both describe that nothing is functioning properly or moving forward anymore. 'Stillstand' is more neutral and mainly means that movement, work, or development has stopped. 'Lähmung' is stronger and more figurative: something is as if paralyzed and can no longer act or react. Learners may confuse the words because both are used in politics, business, or organizations. If you only want to say that there is no progress, 'Stillstand' fits well. If you want to emphasize that a system is unable to act, 'Lähmung' is more precise.
Der Streit im Vorstand führte zu einer Lähmung der ganzen Organisation.
The dispute on the board led to a paralysis of the entire organization.
Wegen eines technischen Problems gab es im Betrieb einen kompletten Stillstand.
Because of a technical problem, there was a complete standstill at the company.