paralyze

Verb

Verb Forms: paralyzed, paralyzing, paralyzes

• To render someone or something incapable of movement or action.
• make powerless and unable to function
  • "The bureaucracy paralyzes the entire operation"
• cause to be paralyzed and immobile
  • "The poison paralyzed him"
  • "Fear paralyzed her"
• To afflict with paralysis.
• To render unable to move; to immobilize.
• To render unable to function properly.

Examples

• That unexpected seven-letter word seemed to paralyze his opponent with shock.
• The transport strike paralyzed the city.

Synonyms

paralyse