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Paralysing: meaning, definitions and examples

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paralysing

 

[ pəˈræl.ə.saɪ.zɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

causing paralysis

Paralysing refers to an inability to move or function normally due to a loss of muscle control, often caused by injury or illness. It can affect certain parts of the body or, in severe cases, can be total paralysis affecting the entire body. This term is frequently used in medical contexts but can also describe something that stops an individual from acting or taking decisions effectively. The emotional connotation often relates to feeling overwhelmed or immobilized by fear or anxiety.

Synonyms

immobilizing, rendering motionless, stunning

Examples of usage

  • He felt paralysing fear before the public speaking event.
  • The accident left her with paralysing injuries.
  • The paralysing effects of the news hit him hard.

Translations

Translations of the word "paralysing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paralisante

🇮🇳 लकवा मारना

🇩🇪 lähmend

🇮🇩 melumpuhkan

🇺🇦 паралізуючий

🇵🇱 paralizujący

🇯🇵 麻痺させる

🇫🇷 paralysant

🇪🇸 paralizante

🇹🇷 felç eden

🇰🇷 마비시키는

🇸🇦 مسبب الشلل

🇨🇿 paralyzující

🇸🇰 paralyzujúci

🇨🇳 使瘫痪的

🇸🇮 paralizirajoč

🇮🇸 lammandi

🇰🇿 парализующий

🇬🇪 პარალიზებადი

🇦🇿 iflic edən

🇲🇽 paralizante

Etymology

The word 'paralysing' originates from the Greek word 'paralysis,' which means 'a loosening' or 'disabling.' The prefix 'para-' translates to 'beside' or 'alongside,' and 'lysis' means 'loosening' or 'breaking down.' This term made its way into English in the late 16th century, primarily used in medical texts to describe the loss of muscle function. As the understanding of neurology and muscular disorders grew, the use expanded beyond physical paralysis to encompass metaphorical usages, wherein a situation could be described as paralysing when it induces inaction or helplessness. Over time, 'paralysing' evolved in both everyday language and technical jargon, often highlighting the intense emotional or psychological impact on individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,980 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.