paralyse

Everyday

1. To paralyse someone is to make them lose the ability to move part or all of their body, through injury or illness. tree →
2. To paralyse something is to stop it working or moving normally, as snow can paralyse a city. tree →
3. To be paralysed with fear means to be so frightened that you cannot move or act. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, damage to the spine or nerves can paralyse; some spiders and snakes paralyse their prey with venom. In stories, characters are «paralysed with fear». In the news, strikes or storms paralyse transport. Phrases: «paralysed from the waist down», «paralysed with fear», «paralyse the city».

Examples

• The accident paralysed his legs, so he uses a wheelchair. tree →
• The spider's venom paralyses the fly. tree →
• Heavy snow paralysed the city for three days. tree →
• She was paralysed with fear when she saw the bear. tree →
• The power cut paralysed the trains. tree →
• Some illnesses can paralyse muscles for a short time. tree →
• Therein lives a poor paralysed girl; the window of her little room looks northward, the sun does not enter here. tree →

Note

British spelling «paralyse», American «paralyze». Noun «paralysis», adjective «paralysed» or «paralytic». Be respectful: people who are paralysed can live full lives; say «a person who uses a wheelchair», not unkind names.