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.
v.1804, from French paralyser (16c.), from Old French paralisie “paralysis,” from Latin paralysis (see paralysis). Figurative use from 1805. Related: Paralyzed; paralyzing. v.
- To affect with paralysis; cause to be paralytic.