paralyse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral; common in medical, news, and descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “paralyse” mean?
To cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function.
To render powerless, ineffective, or unable to act or proceed, often due to shock, fear, or systemic failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English spelling is 'paralyse'. American English spelling is 'paralyze'.
Connotations
Identical in meaning and usage, only a spelling difference.
Frequency
Both forms are equally common in their respective regions.
Grammar
How to Use “paralyse” in a Sentence
[subject] paralyses [object][object] be paralysed by/with [cause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paralyse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The virus can paralyse the central nervous system.
- A sudden snowstorm paralysed the city centre.
American English
- The virus can paralyze the central nervous system.
- A sudden snowstorm paralyzed the city center.
adverb
British English
- She stared paralysingly at the oncoming car.
American English
- She stared paralyzingly at the oncoming car.
adjective
British English
- He was left partially paralysed after the stroke.
- The paralysing effect of the drug is temporary.
American English
- He was left partially paralyzed after the stroke.
- The paralyzing effect of the drug is temporary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A strike could paralyse the entire transport network for days.
Academic
The political deadlock paralysed the legislative process.
Everyday
I was paralysed for a moment when I saw the spider.
Technical
The neurotoxin can paralyse the diaphragm, leading to respiratory failure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paralyse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paralyse”
- Incorrect: 'The accident paralysed him to move.' Correct: 'The accident paralysed him.' or 'The accident left him paralysed.'
- Spelling confusion between 'paralyse' (BrE) and 'paralyze' (AmE) in the wrong regional context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Paralyse' specifically implies a complete loss of the ability to move or function. 'Cripple' can imply severe damage or impairment that hinders function but not necessarily a complete loss, and is often considered offensive when referring to people.
No, it is commonly used for systems, organisations, and machines (e.g., 'The cyber-attack paralysed the hospital's computer network.').
The adjective is 'paralysed' (BrE) / 'paralyzed' (AmE) for the state (e.g., a paralysed limb), and 'paralysing' (BrE) / 'paralyzing' (AmE) for the cause (e.g., a paralysing fear).
Yes, in American English the correct spelling is 'paralyze'. Using 'paralyse' would be considered a British spelling and may be marked as an error in AmE contexts.
To cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function.
Paralyse is usually formal to neutral; common in medical, news, and descriptive contexts. in register.
Paralyse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈperəlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “paralysed with fear/terror”
- “paralysed by indecision”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PARALLEL LYS (lies) cable. If you trip over it, you might fall and be PARALYSED, unable to move.
Conceptual Metaphor
INACTION IS PARALYSIS; FEAR IS A PARALYSING AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'paralysed' used in a metaphorical (non-physical) sense?