variants
or British paralyse
paralyzes; paralyzed; paralyzing
1
: to make (a person or animal) unable to move or feel all or part of the body
The snake's venom paralyzed the mouse.
The accident paralyzed him from the neck down. [=the accident caused him to lose the ability to move or feel his body below his neck]
2
: to make (someone or something) unable to function, act, or move
The air strikes have paralyzed the city's transportation system.
The company was paralyzed by debt.
Cite this Entry
“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/paralyze. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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