Synonyms Word Origin
verb (used with object), par·a·lyzed, par·a·lyz·ing. to affect with paralysis . to bring to a condition of helpless stoppage, inactivity, or inability to act: The strike paralyzed communications. Show More
Also especially British par·a·lyse .
Origin of paralyze 1795–1805; back formation from
paralysis , modeled on
analyze Related forms par·a·ly·zant , adjective, noun par·a·ly·za·tion , noun par·a·lyz·er , noun par·a·lyz·ing·ly , adverb sem·i·par·a·lyzed , adjective un·par·a·lyzed , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Word Origin and History for paralyzation v. 1804, from French paralyser (16c.), from Old French paralisie "paralysis," from Latin paralysis (see paralysis ). Figurative use from 1805. Related: Paralyzed ; paralyzing .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
To affect with paralysis; cause to be paralytic. Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
