Paralyze Meaning
/ˈpæɹəlaɪz/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo afflict with paralysis.
verbTo render unable to move; to immobilize.
Sentence Examples
A vampire can paralyze people just by looking at them.
Aggregating anemones use their tentacles to sting and paralyze prey.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sudden shocking news seemed to ____ her completely with intense fear.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The unexpected news seemed to ____ the entire organization, leaving no one able to make decisions.
Word Origin & History
Partly a borrowing from French. Probably partly either (i) formed within English, by derivation. Or partly (ii) a borrowing from French, combined with an English element. Etymons: Middle English paralysie, -ize suffix; French paralyser.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"So I stood alone in horror / Paralyzed with fear and dread / When a voice dead and inhuman / Whispered to me "go, you fool, Warren's dead!""
— 2006, The H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society, “Harley Got Devoured by the Undead”, in An Even Scarier Solstice:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sudden shocking news seemed to ____ her completely with intense fear.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The unexpected news seemed to ____ the entire organization, leaving no one able to make decisions.