1
as in to cripple
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intimidate
to deprive of courage or confidence
the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralyze
Before the polio vaccine was developed, the virus killed or paralyzed nearly half a million people worldwide each year in the mid-20th century, according to the World Health Organization.
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Cheyenne Haslett, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025
Prosecutors alleged Spann took over the reins of the West Side gang after he was shot and paralyzed in 1999, using murder to elevate the gang’s reputation for ruthlessness as well as his own street cred.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
The Trump White House is moving to paralyze a bipartisan and independent watchdog agency that investigates national security activities that can intrude upon individual rights.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Its venom, potent enough to kill an elephant, is a cocktail of neurotoxins that can paralyze muscles and shut down vital systems in a matter of hours.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for paralyze 
Cheyenne Haslett, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025
Prosecutors alleged Spann took over the reins of the West Side gang after he was shot and paralyzed in 1999, using murder to elevate the gang’s reputation for ruthlessness as well as his own street cred.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
The Trump White House is moving to paralyze a bipartisan and independent watchdog agency that investigates national security activities that can intrude upon individual rights.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Its venom, potent enough to kill an elephant, is a cocktail of neurotoxins that can paralyze muscles and shut down vital systems in a matter of hours.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for paralyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyze
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Verb
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Get the recipe > Lazi Chicken Wings These spicy wings are based on a classic Sichuan dish in which golden chunks of chicken are tossed with spices and presented atop an intimidating bed of fried chilis.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
5 Feb. 2025
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The agents' concern is that this information will be used to intimidate and fire them.—
Sophie Clark,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The oligarchs are counting on Vance to become president when Trump is incapacitated or dies in office, or clings to power beyond 2028 and turns power over to Vance.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
29 Jan. 2025
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The legal arrangement is typically approved to provide short-term care and protection for someone who is incapacitated and needs help managing their health care, personal finances and day-to-day needs, typically for up to 90 days.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Stepping out from a white van, the Israeli civilian looked gaunt and frightened.—
Mick Krever,
CNN,
30 Jan. 2025
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Julie Contreras, who is a pastor and part of United Giving Hope, a longtime immigration rights advocacy organization, said her time in church Sunday was spent comforting parishioners who were frightened by the ICE activity.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The policy ordered by President Trump undermines that goal by mandating a categorical rule that overrides the discretion of prison officials.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
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This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem.—
Stephen Nellis,
USA TODAY,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But Marcel arrived terrified, hiding in the bathroom and refusing to move or be touched.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
3 Feb. 2025
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Instead of a confetti bomb going off, someone turns on the fog/smoke machine, terrifying all of the little pups into relieving themselves everywhere in fear.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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China's offshore yuan weakened to a record low of 7.3765, while the dollar touched a more than 20-year high against its Canadian counterpart.—
Suzanne McGee and Isla Binnie,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
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As the company scales back on its ability to offer ultra-low prices, the appeal of its fast-fashion model may weaken, putting its market position at risk.—
Francisco Velasquez,
Quartz,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When the fast food restaurant by a high school was raided, kids remained in the building, scared to pass the site and risk detainment or worse.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
4 Feb. 2025
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Stories of collisions and near-misses scare the flying public, and that could have a chilling effect on the travel industry and economy as a whole.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near paralyze
Cite this Entry
“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyze. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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