paralyze

[par-uh-lahyz] / ˈpær əˌlaɪz /

VERB

immobilize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

demolish destroy disable freeze halt incapacitate knock out stun weaken

STRONG

anesthetize arrest astound bemuse benumb close daunt daze deaden debilitate disarm enfeeble lame nonplus numb palsy petrify prostrate stupefy transfix

WEAK

bring to grinding halt make inert make nerveless shut down stop dead

Antonyms

STRONGEST

build construct continue improve repair restore

STRONG

aid assist bore clear up comfort embolden encourage enlighten enliven explain help please release soothe strengthen

WEAK

incite mobilize stimulate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Taiwanese defense experts have taken away a different lesson: cheap equipment from a lesser military, such as dumb mines thrown in a strait, may just be enough to paralyze a superpower.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

The Lewiatan Confederation, an NGO representing Polish entrepreneurs, argues the move "could paralyze the labour market".

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Nexperia microchips are leaving China again, easing a shortage of simple but ubiquitous parts that threatened to paralyze the auto industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

I showed up at the restaurant in a party dress, heels and a big smile, trying not to let memories of finding a table in the school cafeteria paralyze me.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

They floated around the ocean like fluffy pillows, trailing enough venom to paralyze a swimmer.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing paralyze

Schooled

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Where the Red Fern Grows

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List 6

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