paralyze Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make powerless and unable to function
    paralyse.
    • The bureaucracy paralyzes the entire operation
  2. verb cause to be paralyzed and immobile
    paralyse.
    • The poison paralyzed him
    • Fear paralyzed her

WordNet

Par"a*lyze transitive verb
Etymology
F. paralyser. See Paralysis.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Paralyzed ; present participle & verbal noun Paralyzing
Definitions
  1. To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.
  2. Fig.: To unnerve; to destroy or impair the energy of; to render ineffective; as, the occurrence paralyzed the community; despondency paralyzed his efforts.

Webster 1913