1. to cause someone to lose the ability to move or feel all or part of their body
Usage: British spelling
2. to make someone unable to think or act normally, especially because of shock or fear
Usage: British spelling
3. to prevent something from functioning or operating effectively
Usage: British spelling

Examples

• The accident paralysed him from the waist down.
• Fear seemed to paralyse her completely.
• The strike paralysed the entire transportation system.
• She was paralysed with shock when she heard the news.
• The computer virus paralysed the company’s network.
• His legs were paralysed after the spinal injury.
• The government’s indecision paralysed economic growth.