Paralyzes

To paralyze is to deprive of the power of action, feeling, or effective activity; to render powerless or unable to move or function normally. This can apply to a physical state, such as the loss of movement in a limb, or to a figurative one, like the inability to think clearly or make decisions. The word often implies a sudden or incapacitating effect, stemming from a physical condition, emotional shock, fear, or overwhelming circumstances. It highlights a state of complete or partial immobilization, impacting one's ability to perform ordinary actions or make sound judgements. This loss of functionality is crucial to understanding the meaning.

Paralyzes meaning with examples

• The sudden onset of the stroke completely paralyzes the left side of his body, leaving him unable to move his arm or leg. He now requires physical therapy and a wheelchair. The doctor's statement caused him to begin to experience debilitating paralysis due to the trauma. The effect of this disease meant the ability to complete activities, like cooking, were out of his reach.
• Faced with the terrifying stage fright, the aspiring musician felt a wave of anxiety paralyzes them, making her forget all the songs she had rehearsed. The bright lights, hundreds of faces, and deafening silence had her shaking. This emotional paralysis prevented her from playing anything for her audience. After attempting this multiple times, she started to lose hope and confidence.
• The economic downturn effectively paralyzes many small businesses, as they struggled to secure loans, maintain cash flow, and retain customers. The lack of government aid made them start to panic. These businesses, which once thrived, saw sales decline and staff layoffs. The uncertainty surrounding their future threatened to paralyze them from making long term plans.
• Witnessing the accident scene paralyzes her with shock, making her unable to assist the injured or call for help. The carnage left her standing still. The shock was so strong that she was unable to do anything and this meant her body was unresponsive. She was utterly overwhelmed and couldn't think straight.
• After finding out about her injury, the athletes’ shock started to paralyze the team. She lost her ability to practice, and the whole team lost their main focus, causing many to start losing motivation to participate.
• His phobia of spiders, which had started as a child, suddenly and quickly paralyzes him whenever he sees one, leaving him frozen with fear. He couldn’t control his own actions. He can no longer think straight. His mind went completely blank.
• His extreme panic paralyzes him whenever a situation is not according to the script. He is unable to move or perform in his daily life, and this stops him from being able to leave his house. All his plans need to be scheduled according to his rules to prevent it from happening again.
• As the disease progressed, it began to paralyze the lower extremities. The pain became unbearable, making it difficult to do anything for a long period of time, the affected area felt heavy. After many unsuccessful treatments, there was nothing else to do.