verb
paralyze
PAR-uh-lyze/ˈpærəˌlaɪz/
To make unable to move or function.
The conflicting demands paralyze the adult with indecision at the desk.
Etymology
Greek para- and lyein formed a verb meaning “disable, enfeeble,” underlying the name paralysis. To paralyze is to cause that bodily disability, extended figuratively to rendering someone helpless or unable to act.
In context
it was only necessary to paralyze a few here and the levitated idol and its Priestly attendants Advanced toward the stone platform where the king sat on his throne
More examples
- Fear paralyzes her whenever she tries to speak in public.
- The blizzard paralyzed traffic across the city.
- A network failure is paralyzing operations at the hospital.
Forms
paralyze · paralyzes · paralyzed · paralyzing
paralysis noun — Loss of movement or ability to function.
Similar words
- immobilize
- Prevents physical movement without necessarily stopping other bodily functions.
- disable
- Stops normal operation without necessarily causing complete loss of movement.
- incapacitate
- Makes someone unable to act or perform usual duties.