Definition

A condition where one side of the body is paralyzed, often due to brain injury or disease.

Example

After the stroke, he was diagnosed with hemiplegia, which affected his left side.

Conversation

Did you hear about Tom's accident?

Yeah, I heard he has hemiplegia now.

That's really tough; I can't imagine what he's going through.

I know, right? I hope he gets the support he needs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemiplegia is formed from "hemi-" (meaning half) and "plegia" (from Greek "plege", meaning stroke or blow). The term describes a condition characterized by paralysis affecting one side of the body, hence the meaning half paralysis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'half' ('hemi-') and 'stroke' ('plegia') to remember that hemiplegia refers to paralysis on one side of the body.

Visually Confused Words