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Definition of "paralyze" [par•a•lyze]

  • To affect with paralysis; cause to be paralytic. (verb-transitive)
  • To make unable to move or act: paralyzed by fear. (verb-transitive)
  • To impair the progress or functioning of; make inoperative or powerless: strict regulations that paralyze economic activity. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "paralyze" in a sentence
  • "The word paralyze is far too strong, in my opinion."
  • "He also said the decision to freeze Yukos assets aimed to "paralyze" the company."
  • "Hamas or al Qaeda terrorists with shoulder-fired rockets could attack the airport and "paralyze" the country."