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Paralyze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paralyze

[หˆperษ™หŒlaษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in medical context

To cause someone or something to become partly or wholly incapable of movement, sensation, or function, typically by damage to the nervous system.

Synonyms

cripple, disable, immobilize, incapacitate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
paralyze

Used when referring to causing someone or something to be unable to move or function properly, often due to shock, fear, or physical injury. It has a medical context as well.

  • The sudden news seemed to paralyze her with fear.
  • His legs were paralyzed after the accident.
immobilize

Typically used in a medical or mechanical context to refer to making something unable to move.

  • They used a cast to immobilize her broken arm.
  • The police immobilized the vehicle using spike strips.
disable

Commonly used when referring to making a machine or system not work properly, but can also refer to impairing someone's physical or mental abilities.

  • You need to disable the alarm before entering the building.
  • The disease may disable the patient for life.
cripple

Generally refers to causing someone to be unable to move or walk properly. Can be offensive when referring to people.

  • The storm crippled the entire city's infrastructure.
  • A terrible injury crippled his ability to walk.
incapacitate

Often used in a formal or technical context to describe rendering someone unable to perform normal activities, either physically or mentally.

  • The virus can incapacitate an entire population.
  • The attack incapacitated him for several weeks.

Examples of usage

  • He was paralyzed from the waist down after the accident.
  • The venom of the snake can paralyze its prey within seconds.
  • The disease slowly paralyzed her muscles over time.
Context #2 | Verb

in emotional context

To render someone unable to think or act normally, typically due to fear, shock, or other strong emotions.

Synonyms

petrify, shock, stun, terrify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
paralyze

Used to describe the physical or metaphorical inability to move or act, typically because of fear, shock, or injury.

  • The sudden news of his friendโ€™s accident seemed to paralyze him.
  • Economic uncertainty can paralyze a business from making bold decisions.
petrify

Often used to describe someone who is so frightened that they are unable to move or react. It has a slightly stronger connotation of fear than 'paralyze'.

  • The eerie silence of the haunted house was enough to petrify even the bravest person.
  • She was petrified by the thought of speaking in front of the large audience.
terrify

Used to describe someone experiencing extreme fear, often to the point of screaming or extreme anxiety.

  • The horror movie was designed to terrify its audience.
  • The idea of flying terrifies some people.
stun

Describes a temporary state of confusion or inability to react, usually due to something surprising or impressive.

  • The beauty of the sunset stunned him into silence.
  • The loud explosion stunned everyone in the vicinity.
shock

Used when someone experiences a sudden and intense emotional reaction, usually due to unexpected or unpleasant events.

  • The abrupt announcement of the company's closure shocked all its employees.
  • She was shocked to find out that she had won the lottery.

Examples of usage

  • The shocking news paralyzed him with fear.
  • The unexpected turn of events paralyzed her ability to make decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Definitions

  • Paralysis can occur from various causes, including injury, disease, or stroke, and affects muscle control.
  • There are different types of paralysis, like 'partial' where only some muscles are affected and 'complete' where all are immobilized.
  • Transient paralysis can happen temporarily, often due to nerve compression, such as in a sport-related injury.

Cultural References

  • In literature, paralysis is often used metaphorically to depict emotional or psychological inaction, as seen in Shakespeare's works.
  • Movies and TV shows frequently illustrate characters becoming paralyzed after traumatic events, highlighting emotional impact.
  • The term is also present in music, describing moments of feeling overwhelmed or stuck, resonating with listeners.

Psychology

  • The feeling of paralysis can extend beyond physical incapacity, often described in situations leading to anxiety or being overwhelmed by choices.
  • Psychological paralysis can occur during high-stress scenarios, where individuals feel incapable of making decisions or taking action.
  • It has been linked to certain mental health conditions, where individuals may feel immobilized due to fear, depression, or anxiety.

Science

  • Research has explored ways to promote recovery from paralysis, including advancements in stem cell therapy and neuroregeneration.
  • Some species, like certain frogs, can regenerate limbs, providing scientists insights into potential treatments for human paralysis.
  • Studies show that some types of paralysis can improve with physical therapy and rehabilitation, emphasizing neuroplasticity.

Origin of 'paralyze'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'paralyze' comes from the Greek word 'paralusis', which means to disable or prevent movement.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, initially used in medical contexts to describe loss of muscular function.
  • The prefix 'para-' means 'beside' or 'beyond', indicating a state of being alongside normal function but unable to perform.

The word 'paralyze' originated from the Greek word 'paralusis', meaning 'disabling of movement'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of paralysis has been observed and documented throughout history, with various treatments and understandings evolving over time.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,844, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.