paralyze

paralyze

verb

Definition of PARALYZE

1

to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move <a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days>

Synonyms cripple, disable, hamstring, immobilize, incapacitate, prostrate

Related Words attenuate, debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, sap, tire, undercut, undermine, weaken; hobble, lame; maim, mutilate; knock out

Near Antonyms energize, galvanize, invigorate, vitalize; fortify, strengthen; empower; freshen, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, restore, revitalize, revive

2

to deprive of courage or confidence <the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything>

Synonyms demoralize, emasculate, paralyze, undo, unman, unstring

Related Words debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, neuter, weaken; prostrate, sap, soften, tire, waste; frighten, intimidate, psych (out), scare, terrify, terrorize; daunt, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit; craze, derange, madden, unbalance, unhinge; discompose, disquiet, disturb, faze, perturb, unsettle, upset, weird out

Near Antonyms fortify, strengthen; embolden, encourage, hearten

Antonyms nerve