paralyze
verb
par·a·lyze
ˈper-ə-ˌlīz 
ˈpa-rə-
paralyzed; paralyzing
1
: to affect with paralysis
The snake's venom paralyzed the mouse.
2
: to make powerless or ineffective
A strike would paralyze the industry.
3
: unnerve
The paralyzing thing is the uncertainty …—
Evelyn Whitehead
Evelyn WhiteheadExamples of paralyze in a Sentence
The snake's venom paralyzed the mouse.
The air strikes have paralyzed the city's transportation system.
The company was paralyzed by debt.
Recent Examples on the Web
The plan would block global flights at certain airports, paralyzing travel for some of the biggest cities in the country — especially New York City.
—Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Chemical supplies are also needed, and their import is currently paralyzed.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
In April 2021, a strike organized by labor unions paralyzed the country, at a time when widespread dissatisfaction was on the rise, particularly on issues such as health, education and employment.
—Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026
First aid and recovery Abo said that a direct strike can cause cardiac arrest, and indirect strikes can cause the lungs to be temporarily paralyzed, which can also cause a heart attack.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
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Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Chemical supplies are also needed, and their import is currently paralyzed.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
In April 2021, a strike organized by labor unions paralyzed the country, at a time when widespread dissatisfaction was on the rise, particularly on issues such as health, education and employment.
—Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026
First aid and recovery Abo said that a direct strike can cause cardiac arrest, and indirect strikes can cause the lungs to be temporarily paralyzed, which can also cause a heart attack.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
Cite this Entry
“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralyze. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
paralyze
verb
par·a·lyze
ˈpar-ə-ˌlīz
paralyzed; paralyzing
1
: to affect with paralysis
2
: to make powerless or unable to act, function, or move
Medical Definition
paralyze
transitive verb
par·a·lyze
variants
or British paralyse
paralyzed or British paralysed; paralyzing or British paralysing
: to affect with paralysis
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