verb
paralyze
PA-ruh-lyz
verb
1
To cause loss of movement or feeling in part of the body.
"The venom can paralyze small prey within seconds."
2
To make something unable to function or act normally.
"The strike paralyzed the entire transport network."
"Fear paralyzed her, and she couldn't speak."
How to Use Paralyze
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make unable to move or function, physically or figuratively.
UK vs US
Spelled "paralyse" in British English, "paralyze" in American English.
Common pairings
paralyzed with fear
paralyze the economy
Word Forms
paralyzed past tense, paralyzes singular
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The venom can _____ small prey within seconds.
Etymology
From French paralyser, ultimately from the same Greek root as "paralysis."