1
as in to cripple
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intimidate
to deprive of courage or confidence
the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralyze
Business leaders have been paralyzed by lack of clarity, as have some of America’s closest allies and trading partners around the globe.
—
Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
The combination paralyzed his patients’ respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory arrest and death within minutes.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May made an unexpected return to the music festival stage at Coachella 2025, just seven months after a minor stroke temporarily paralyzed his left arm.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
He was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died three months later.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
The combination paralyzed his patients’ respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory arrest and death within minutes.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May made an unexpected return to the music festival stage at Coachella 2025, just seven months after a minor stroke temporarily paralyzed his left arm.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
He was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died three months later.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyze
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Verb
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During this protest, police intimidated and ultimately beat the strikers, resulting the death of at least six people, according to the American Postal Workers Union.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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However, many Americans feel intimidated by the technology.—
Nikolaus Kimla,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Linda is prepared to take matters into her own hands when Nicky orchestrates a drone attack to incapacitate her, after which Charity pushes Linda off the cliff to her death.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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In just one second, the United States is completely incapacitated, thousands are killed, and millions are stranded.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The goal of strengthening Washington’s presence should be to reassure partners that U.S. pressure is designed to create stronger alliances, not to pave the way for abandonment, as well as to ensure that resisting China is viable for countries that are frightened by Beijing.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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The American Declaration of Independence and Constitution frightened monarchies and despots around the world without a single bullet or gunboat.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The current United squad may lack attributes needed for Amorim’s preferred tactical system to thrive, but yesterday exhibited a lack of mental focus that undermined every major action.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Since returning to office, Trump has directed his administration to act aggressively against foreign nationals who the Administration has alleged are undermining American interests, particularly in the context of criticism of Israel and campus protests against the war in Gaza.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Oh, this shot of Charity with three blonde dolls is terrifying.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
2 May 2025
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So the thought of losing the house itself was also terrifying.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
10 May 2025
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This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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In the beginning of the movie, Karsh goes on a date, but his grief scares the woman away.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2025
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There were no players who really scared opposing defensive coordinators.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyze. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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