paralyze

/pˈaɹəlˌaɪz/

/ˈpɛɹəˌɫaɪz/

to paralyze

MAIN VERB

to cause a person, animal, or part of the body to lose the ability to move or function, usually due to injury or illness

make powerless and unable to function

synonyms : paralyse

Examples

1. First, a female wasp temporarily paralyzes a cockroach with a quick venomous stab.

2. A massive civil disobedience movement and national strike paralyzed the financial sector.

3. Bad summer droughts and severe winter ice jams paralyzed the water wheels for weeks.

4. Now, the enzymes in that saliva will actually paralyze the victim.