Dictionary entry

Paralyze

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Par″a‐lyze (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Paralyzed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Paralyzing (?).] [F. paralyser. See Paralysis.]

1. To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.

2. Fig.: To unnerve; to destroy or impair the energy of; to render ineffective; as, the occurrence paralyzed the community; despondency paralyzed his efforts.