paralyze
par·a·lyze
verb \ˈper-ə-ˌlīz, ˈpa-rə-\par·a·lyzedpar·a·lyz·ing
Definition of PARALYZE
transitive verb
1
: to affect with paralysis
2
: to make powerless or ineffective
3
: unnerve
— par·a·ly·za·tion \ˌper-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌpa-rə-\ noun
— par·a·lyz·er \ˈper-ə-ˌlī-zər, ˈpa-rə-\ noun
— par·a·lyz·ing·ly \-ˌlī-ziŋ-lē\ adverb
See Examples of PARALYZE
- The snake's venom paralyzed the mouse.
- The air strikes have paralyzed the city's transportation system.
- The company was paralyzed by debt.
Origin of PARALYZE
French paralyser, back-formation from paralysie paralysis, from Latin paralysis
First Known Use: 1804
Related to PARALYZE
Antonyms: nerve
Related Words: attenuate, debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, sap, tire, undercut, undermine, weaken; hobble, lame; maim, mutilate; knock out
Near Antonyms: energize, galvanize, invigorate, vitalize; fortify, strengthen; empower; freshen, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, restore, revitalize, revive
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