Skip to main content

Pressing Paralysis

The phenomenon occurs when multiple defenders are in position to challenge an attacking player, but due to hesitation, miscommunication, or uncertainty about responsibility, none of them step up to engage. As a result, the attacker faces less resistance than expected, often gaining space or time to advance. This defensive lapse is driven by a diffusion of responsibility, where each defender assumes another will take action, leading to collective inaction.
It was pressing paralysis at its finest, three defenders doing the ‘after you, sir’ routine while the striker waltzed through like he owned the place.
by ThinkingManCa April 3, 2025
mugGet the Pressing Paralysismug.

sale paralysis

The act of becoming incapable to make a decision or act upon sales due to feeling overwhelmed
I got so many promotional emails on Black Friday and had sale paralysis so I bought nothing.
by Smohr7 November 28, 2021
mugGet the sale paralysismug.

Paralysis

The collective noun for a group of gatekeepers in any large organization, especially government. Typically range from policy-quoting front-line workers up to middle managers with no hope of promotion.
"My proposal was well received by anyone I spoke to about it, but now it's been stymied by a paralysis of bureaucrats."
by Dudge September 23, 2022
mugGet the Paralysismug.

sleep paralysis demon

soɴic which possesses teddy bears, bluetooth speakers or Santa hats
by Moto. July 17, 2025
mugGet the sleep paralysis demonmug.

fashion paralysis

An inability to follow latest fashion trends. Someone who suffers fashion paralysis tends to wear same outfit again and again (even though it's completely obsolete in terms of trend, as long as it usable and not damaged) and won't bother to buy any new outfit
For people who tell me that i'm broke: I've got money, but i'm suffering fashion paralysis. And i just buy an outfit which makes me comfortable
by Sir. B December 5, 2021
mugGet the fashion paralysismug.

douche paralysis

Becoming physically paralyzed by an utterly douchey remark or conversation.
Person 1: "Are you overhearing the conversation about Malbec wine coming from the table behind us?"

Person 2: "Yes. It's enough to send me into douche paralysis."
by Schnitzel Procurement Manager December 23, 2024
mugGet the douche paralysismug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email