verb
B1
Intermediate
paralyze
PA-ruh-lyz
Paralyze (verb) means to cause loss of movement or feeling in part of the body. Example: “The venom can paralyze small prey within seconds.”
verb
1
To cause loss of movement or feeling in part of the body.
"The venom can paralyze small prey within seconds."
2
To make something unable to function or act normally.
"The strike paralyzed the entire transport network."
"Fear paralyzed her, and she couldn't speak."
How to use paralyze
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make unable to move or function, physically or figuratively.
UK vs US
Spelled "paralyse" in British English, "paralyze" in American English.
Common pairings
paralyzed with fear
paralyze the economy
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- paralyzes
- Past tense
- paralyzed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The venom can _____ small prey within seconds.
Etymology
From French paralyser, ultimately from the same Greek root as "paralysis."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for paralyze
See all rhymes for paralyze →Frequently asked questions
What does “paralyze” mean?
The word “paralyze” means to cause loss of movement or feeling in part of the body. In plain terms, to make unable to move or function, physically or figuratively.
How do you pronounce “paralyze”?
“Paralyze” is pronounced PA-ruh-lyz (/ˈpæɹəˌlaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “paralyze” in a sentence?
Here is “paralyze” used in a sentence: “The venom can paralyze small prey within seconds.”
What part of speech is “paralyze”?
“Paralyze” is a verb.
Where does the word “paralyze” come from?
The word “paralyze” comes from French. From French paralyser, ultimately from the same Greek root as "paralysis.".
How many meanings does “paralyze” have?
“Paralyze” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cause loss of movement or feeling in part of the body.
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