paralyze
1 of 1verb/ˈpɛrəˌlaɪz/
Forms:paralyzes,paralyzing,paralyzed,paralyzed
1
to cause a person, animal, or part of the body to lose the ability to move or function, usually due to injury or illness
transitive- The accident unfortunately paralyzed his legs, leaving him unable to walk.
- A stroke can paralyze one side of the body, impacting motor functions.
- The venom from the snakebite had the potential to paralyze the victim.
- In severe cases, a spinal cord injury can paralyze both arms and legs.
- The disease progressed rapidly, threatening to paralyze the patient's respiratory system.
2
to stop someone from thinking or acting clearly, usually due to fear, shock, or panic
transitive- The sudden news of the accident paralyzed him with fear.
- She was paralyzed by panic when she realized she was lost in the woods.
- The thought of speaking in public paralyzed him, leaving him speechless.
- The looming deadline paralyzed the team, preventing them from taking action.
- Fear of failure paralyzed her from trying to pursue her dreams.