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Definition of paralyze

paralyze

/ˈpær.ə.laɪz/
(UK: paralyse)
par · a · lyze
Adverb:paralyzingly
•
Adjective:paralyzed
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Past Simple:paralyzed
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Past Participle:paralyzed
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Present Participle:paralyzing
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paralyze Lexical Profile

paralyze Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

American To render someone or something unable to think, act, or function normally, especially through fear, shock, or disruption.

Example

"The sudden winter storm threatened to paralyze the city's public transit network for days."

2

American To cause a person or part of the body to become partly or wholly incapable of movement or sensation.

Example

"A severe spinal cord injury can paralyze the lower limbs if not treated promptly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paralyze
Antonyms
View all antonyms for paralyze

• Nearby Words

paralytic
paralytically
paralyzation
paralyze
paralyzer
paralyzingly
paramecium

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from French paralyser, a back-formation from paralysie (palsy), which ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek paralysis ('a loosening at the side'), from para- ('beside') and lyein ('to loosen').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paralyze. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paralyze
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