Synonyms of paralyzes

paralyzes

verb

present tense third-person singular of paralyze

1

as in cripples

to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move

a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cripples
• incapacitates
• undermines
• weakens
• immobilizes
• disables
• saps
• undercuts
• attenuates
• debilitates
• prostrates
• hamstrings
• enfeebles
• lames
• hobbles
• enervates
• mutilates
• tires
• maims
• knocks out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• energizes
• invigorates
• galvanizes
• vitalizes
• strengthens
• fortifies
• empowers
• restores
• revives
• refreshes
• revitalizes
• rejuvenates
• regenerates
• freshens
• refreshens

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

• frightens
• terrifies
• scares
• intimidates
• emasculates
• demoralizes
• unnerves
• unsettles
• undoes
• debilitates
• weakens
• unmans
• wastes
• disturbs
• saps
• discourages
• enfeebles
• terrorizes
• softens
• enervates
• unstrings
• upsets
• disheartens
• daunts
• dismays
• disquiets
• perturbs
• neuters
• unbalances
• unhinges
• deranges
• prostrates
• maddens
• tires
• dispirits
• fazes
• crazes
• psychs (out)
• discomposes
• weirds out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nerves
• strengthens
• fortifies
• encourages
• emboldens
• heartens

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of paralyzes

The wasp gets its name from its reproductive cycle, where a female paralyzes a tarantula to serve as a live host for her larva. — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Fear, like ignorance, shuts our eyes to and paralyzes our trust in God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and unfailing love for His children, whereas the understanding of God’s ever-present goodness removes the fear that generates suffering. — André Kisonga, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026

These opportunists drown out the core mission, creating a cacophony of competing voices that confuses donors, crowd the inboxes of CEOs and members of Congress with colliding petitions, and paralyzes meaningful action by draining critical funding and attention away from the truly effective groups. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

In fact, too much choice often paralyzes decision-making. — David Meade, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

Once an octopus ambushes and bites its prey, the venom in its saliva paralyzes the prey, allowing the octopus to consume it. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026

Monster blizzard paralyzes Northeast with extreme snow, soaring power outages. — FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026

For example, the curare plant poisons used by South and Central American hunters paralyzes the respiratory system. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026

Turning his challenge into a mission and helping others overcome what paralyzes them. — Isabella Kunde, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2025