Paralyze: meaning, definitions and examples

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paralyze

 

[ ˈperəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "paralyze" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paralisar

🇮🇳 लकवा मारना

🇩🇪 lähmen

🇮🇩 melumpuhkan

🇺🇦 паралізувати

🇵🇱 paraliżować

🇯🇵 麻痺させる (まひさせる)

🇫🇷 paralyser

🇪🇸 paralizar

🇹🇷 felç etmek

🇰🇷 마비시키다

🇸🇦 يشلّ

🇨🇿 ochromit

🇸🇰 paralyzovať

🇨🇳 使瘫痪 (shǐ tānhuàn)

🇸🇮 paralizirati

🇮🇸 lama

🇰🇿 сал болдыру

🇬🇪 დაპარალიზება (dap'arliz'eba)

🇦🇿 falç etmək

🇲🇽 paralizar

Etymology

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.