paralyze
/ˈpɛrəlaɪz/
verb
- To cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or feel, especially due to a medical condition or injury.
- The venom from the snake can paralyze a small animal within minutes.
- A stroke can paralyze one side of the body.
- The disease paralyzed his legs, but he continued to live an active life.
- To make someone or something unable to act, function, or make decisions, often because of fear, shock, or confusion.
- The government's indecision paralyzed the relief efforts.
- The unexpected news seemed to paralyze her with fear.
- The strike paralyzed the city's public transportation system.
Synonyms