1. unable to move or feel all or part of the body due to injury or disease
Usage: British spelling
2. unable to act or function normally due to shock, fear, or overwhelming circumstances
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• He was paralysed from the waist down after the accident.
• The stroke left her temporarily paralysed on one side.
• She felt paralysed by fear when she saw the snake.
• The government seemed paralysed by indecision.
• Traffic was paralysed by the heavy snowfall.
• He stood paralysed with shock at the news.