1
as in to cripple
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
After surviving a 1981 assassination attempt that paralyzed his right hand, Khamenei served as Iran’s president, brutally repressing dissent.
—
The Week Us, TheWeek, 10 Mar. 2026
He was paralyzed from the waist down.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
Chávez was also 14 when he was shot and paralyzed during a robbery by gang members.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
Among those paralyzed, 5 to 10 percent die when their breathing muscles become immobilized, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
The Week Us, TheWeek, 10 Mar. 2026
He was paralyzed from the waist down.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
Chávez was also 14 when he was shot and paralyzed during a robbery by gang members.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
Among those paralyzed, 5 to 10 percent die when their breathing muscles become immobilized, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyze
Verb
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Massive piles of trash with rotting food accumulate in residential areas as the fuel shortage has crippled waste collection services.—
Carmen Sesin,
NBC news,
16 Mar. 2026
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But that doesn’t mean mathematicians would be crippled with ennui, Litt says.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Virginia never looked intimidated despite last month’s blowout loss.—
Steve Reed,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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They are intimidated by his beauty and coolness, and keeping driving up to the window.—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As with other Cosby accusers, Donna Motsinger alleges that Cosby incapacitated her with some sort of drug to facilitate the attack, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
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The biggest development was the discovery of an audio signal Regan could use to incapacitate the monsters.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If the Cayenne Turbo GT proved SUVs could handle like sports cars, the Taycan Turbo GT proved EVs could frighten supercars.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
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His dribbling, direct running style and finishing frighten defenders and light up the biggest stages.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The judge said the government has undermined its history of recognizing the importance of involving independent experts in setting the national public health agenda.—
Lena H. Sun,
Washington Post,
16 Mar. 2026
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A number of leading medical groups raised alarms that the vaccine recommendation changes made under Kennedy would undermine protections against a half-dozen diseases.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Viewers are also introduced to Marjorie (Blair Beeken), the activities lead at Oak Canyon Ranch, as well as Rockin’ Grandma’s sole remote worker, web designer Claire (Rachel Kaly), who appears to be terrified by the sun and wholly unnerved by other human beings.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2026
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As 1994 approached, the United States was on the verge of hosting the World Cup — but national soccer officials were terrified that the home team was about to humiliate itself on a global stage.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When presidents sidestep formal addresses and Congress declines to insist upon them, the deliberative architecture of the republic weakens.—
Kenneth Zagacki,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2026
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High supply and weakening renter demand have apartment landlords living in an ever-more competitive space.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But, for whatever reason, something has scared FSG off.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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And while the lack of pass rush production in college should rightfully scare teams away from Faulk, his size and run-game ability provide a stable floor to work with early in his career.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyze. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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