paralyze
UK/'pærәlaiz/US
TOEFLGREB1
Definitions
v.
To make a person or part of the body unable to move, usually through nerve or muscle damage
使瘫痪，使麻痹（通常因神经或肌肉损伤）
v.
To make something unable to function; to bring to a complete halt
使瘫痪，使停顿，使无法运作
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpara- (beside, disordered) + lyze (loosen, from Greek lyein), built from paralysis = 'to loosen muscle control,' to make unable to move. paralyze is the American spelling; British English writes paralyse. See paralysis for the underlying image.
Root lyse still carries 11 more wordsUsage Guide
American spelling; British English uses paralyse. Common as a participle adjective: 'paralyzed with fear / by indecision.' The noun is paralysis.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The accident paralyzed him from the waist down.
- 2.
A single cyberattack could paralyze the entire network.
- 3.
He was paralyzed with fear and couldn't speak.