paralyzed

word · lemma: paralyze

PAIR-uh-lyzd
PA-ruh-lyzd

Definition

Unable to move all or part of your body, usually due to illness or injury. It can also mean being unable to act because of fear or shock.

Usage & Nuances

Can be literal (medical) or figurative (emotionally frozen). Used with 'from the waist down', 'by fear', or 'with shock'. Commonly confused with 'paralysed' (UK spelling).

Example Sentences

He was paralyzed from the neck down after the accident.

basic

She felt paralyzed by fear and couldn't move.

basic

The left side of his face was paralyzed after surgery.

basic

I was so shocked, I just stood there, completely paralyzed.

natural

Traffic was paralyzed in the city after the big storm.

natural

He was so nervous before his speech that he felt totally paralyzed.

natural