paralyzed 1 of 2

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce paralyzed (audio)
Definition of paralyzednext
1
as in disabled
affected with paralysis special ramps for paralyzed people in wheelchairs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose a seemingly paralyzed mayor sat by as the city's crime rate soared

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paralyzed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of paralyze
1
as in crippled
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days

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2
as in frightened
to deprive of courage or confidence the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of paralyzed
Adjective
Some officials, the sources said, have raised concerns about the optics of broadcasting an execution, particularly one in which a firing squad would shoot a paralyzed man confined to a wheelchair. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 The story follows Lowen, a struggling writer hired to complete the book series of renowned author Verity Crawford after an accident leaves Verity paralyzed and unable to communicate. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 The injuries left her paralyzed from the waist down after jumping from a second-story window. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 But Congress appears paralyzed and its leaders unfamiliar with what they’re supposed to be regulating. — Matt Post, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralyzed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyzed
  1. disabled
  2. helpless
  3. crippled
  4. frightened
  5. paralytic
  6. weak
  7. incapacitated
  8. terrified
Adjective
  • For example, Levin said Meta never acknowledged that at least one No Kings creator’s account was also suspended on the day the No Kings account was disabled.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Senior citizens and disabled tenants say losing parking threatens their independence and may end up displacing the city’s most vulnerable residents.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of disabled
Adjective
  • In an America where people my age feel particularly subjugated and helpless, accusing someone else of political and moral impropriety and defending your case with your life can instill in you feelings of reified self-empowerment and control.
    — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Soon Rakowski was firing the ball to a wide-open Flowers for a 43-yard touchdown as two helpless Mira Costa defenders gave pursuit.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of helpless
Verb
  • Mendel argued that Zelenskyy's promise to bring peace at the time stands in stark contrast to the devastating war that has crippled the country and defined much of his presidency.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • He is crippled by doubt, convinced that others are gaining on him.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of crippled
Verb
  • Hamabe said Nagatani had barely left toddlerhood during the first shoot and was easily frightened by the many adults on set.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Guitarricadelafuente said he was initially frightened by the prospect of acting in La Bola Negra.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • In the summer of 2022, New York confronted a case of paralytic polio, a disease whose wild form had been eliminated here in 1979.
    — Raj Panjabi, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The protocol involved an administration of an anesthetic, sodium thiopental, followed by pancuronium bromide, a paralytic agent, and finally by potassium chloride to stop the heart, all in much higher doses than they’re typically used.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of paralytic
Adjective
  • Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of weak
Verb
  • In many cases, bullets traveled upward through the body, which can indicate a victim was lying down or otherwise incapacitated, according to the forensic analysis.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Freire is accused of raping one of the women while she was incapacitated.
    — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of incapacitated
Verb
  • An unexplained light show over France And how better to kick off our Halloween skywatching tales than with a retelling of the strange event that terrified my entire family during a trip to France, two decades ago.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • No wonder Dad had been terrified of making a mistake, of relaxing or trusting others enough to let his guard down.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrified

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Cite this Entry

“Paralyzed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyzed. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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