What does paralyse mean?
Paralyse means to make a person, body part, system, or activity unable to move or function. In its literal sense, it describes a loss of muscular control, as when injury or illness prevents a limb from moving. Much more commonly, however, it is used figuratively: a person may be paralysed by fear, shock, indecision, or surprise, while a strike, crisis, or technical failure can paralyse transport, government, or an entire institution. The word therefore suggests not merely a temporary stop but an inability to respond or act. It can be used as a verb, while “paralysis” names the condition and “paralytic” describes something relating to it. British English generally spells the word “paralyse,” whereas American English uses “paralyze.” Its strong emotional and dramatic associations make it particularly effective in descriptions of fear, danger, disruption, and intense uncertainty.
verbTo cause a person or body part to be unable to move or function, or to render someone or something unable to act effectively. It can describe physical paralysis or a powerful emotional, psychological, or practical inability to respond.
- To cause a person or body part to lose the ability to move or function normally.
- To render someone unable to act, think, or respond because of fear, shock, emotion, or an overwhelming circumstance.
- To make an institution, system, or practical activity unable to function effectively.
"The news of the attack paralysed the city for a moment."
"A sudden injury paralysed his left leg."
"The scale of the crisis paralysed the government’s response."
From the Greek for “to loosen,” paralyse describes a body that has lost the ability to move—and, figuratively, a mind overwhelmed by shock or fear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paralyse come from?
The English word comes through French and Latin from Greek paralyein, “to loosen” or “disable,” formed from the prefix para- and the verb lyein, “to loosen.” The Greek root referred to the release or loss of control of the body; the modern figurative sense developed from the idea of being unable to act. Related English forms include paralysis, paralytic, and paralysed.
Related word forms
How paralyse is actually used
Paralyse is the usual British spelling; American English generally uses paralyze. The word is commonly figurative, especially in expressions such as “paralysed by fear” and “a paralysing situation.”
Easily confused with paralyse
Paralyse is the standard British spelling, while paralyze is the standard American spelling; both have the same meaning.