What does paralyze mean?
To paralyze someone or something is to make it unable to move, act, or function normally. The word is most commonly used for a physical condition in which a person or body part cannot move, but it frequently has a figurative meaning: extreme fear, shock, indecision, or surprise can leave someone “paralyzed,” unable to respond or make a choice. It can also describe an institution or system whose operation has been brought to a halt. The verb is vivid and emotionally expressive, suggesting both helplessness and sudden immobility. In American English, “paralyze” is the standard spelling, while “paralyse” is used in British English. Its history comes from the Greek verb paralyein, meaning “to loosen” or “to release from one side,” referring to the loss of control associated with paralysis.
verbTo cause a person or body part to become unable to move or function, or to render someone or something unable to act effectively. It can also mean to stun or overwhelm someone with surprise, fear, or awe.
- To cause loss of movement or normal function in a person or body part.
- To render someone unable to act, think, or respond because of fear, shock, surprise, or extreme emotion.
- To prevent an institution, system, or activity from functioning effectively.
"The sudden noise paralyzed the entire audience for a moment."
"The injury paralyzed his left arm."
"She was paralyzed by indecision when the opportunity passed."
The word reaches back to Greek roots meaning “beside” and “to loosen,” an apt description of a body held rigid and unable to move.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paralyze come from?
The word comes from Greek paralyein, formed from para- meaning “beside” or “beyond” and lyein meaning “to loosen.” It originally referred to the loosening or disabling of the body and later developed into the English medical and figurative senses. Related English forms include paralysis, a condition of impaired movement, and paralytic, meaning relating to or causing paralysis.
Related word forms
How paralyze is actually used
Often metaphorical, especially in expressions such as “paralyzed by fear” or “paralyzed an audience.” In American English, “paralyze” is the usual spelling; “paralyse” is common in British English.
Easily confused with paralyze
Paralyze and paralyse are spelling variants of the same verb; the former is standard in American English, while the latter is standard in British English.