1
as in cripples
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 frightens
to deprive of courage or confidence
the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralyzes
The role is particularly noteworthy considering Dane announced earlier this year that he was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that gradually paralyzes the body by destroying the nerve cells that control muscle movement.
—
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
This paralyzes executives and creates fatigue.
—Nick Ryan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The smaller wasp quickly stings the spider, injecting its powerful venom that does not kill but permanently paralyzes it.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
This paralyzes executives and creates fatigue.
—Nick Ryan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The smaller wasp quickly stings the spider, injecting its powerful venom that does not kill but permanently paralyzes it.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyzes
Verb
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Second, this ambiguity around responsibility cripples an organization’s ability to respond effectively.—
Nelson Lim,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
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Drones allow aggressors to target critical infrastructure that cripples a defender’s economy at low cost and with high accuracy.—
Omar Al-Ubaydli,
semafor.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Within my book, one of the things that frightens me most is the fact that with censorship, there’s often not a clear red line, right?—
Fiction Non Fiction
October 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Oct. 2025
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What specifically frightens you?—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lorenzo confronts and incapacitates Pepe, Sonia’s main ally, before facing Sonia herself.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While early allergen introduction is not without complexities, the measurable reduction in peanut allergies—once the most common pediatric food allergy and one that terrifies allergy parents—signals a milestone in preventive care.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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Jesus may haunt Wendell, but Wendell terrifies Lee.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Their failure to do so undermines public trust in both the election process and the integrity of the institution itself.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Oct. 2025
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This undermines the religious liberty not only of non-Christian Americans but also of mainline Protestants, non-MAGA Catholics, and Black church traditions.—
Rev. Nathan Empsall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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James Cook is a great running back and certainly helps open up the passing game, and while the Bills have a decent tight end room and some average pass catchers, there isn't one wide receiver on the roster who scares teams.—
Jon Conahan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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And yet, even though not having children is becoming more widely accepted and understood in our society, there’s something about a woman who has never been married that still confuses and scares people.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The rising intolerance that results erodes social cohesion, undermines support for democratic norms and weakens trust in institutions.—
Andrew Rojecki,
The Conversation,
21 Oct. 2025
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Blocking them causes disruption to the cells’ energy-generating mitochondria and leads to oxidative stress, which further weakens cancer.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With a name inspired by unity, strength and joy, Zayu transforms on the pitch as a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralyzes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyzes. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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