paralyse
UK: ˈpærəlaɪz | US: ˈpærəlaɪz
vt. to cause (a person or animal) to lose the ability to move or feel part or all of the body
vt. to make (a system, organization, or process) unable to function normally
The word paralyse originates from the Greek paralyein (para- + lyein), meaning "to disable by loosening." It entered English via Latin paralysis and French paralyser. The morphemes reflect the literal sense of "rendering powerless by disrupting bodily function," later extended metaphorically to systems or processes.
The venom of some snakes can paralyse their prey instantly.
A sudden fear seemed to paralyse her, leaving her unable to speak.
The strike paralysed public transportation for days.
Severe frostbite may permanently paralyse the affected limbs.
Bureaucratic delays have paralysed the approval process.