paralyzed
UK: ˈpærəlaɪzd | US: ˈpərælaɪzd
adj. unable to move or act; physically or mentally incapacitated
vt. (past tense of "paralyze") caused someone to lose the ability to move or function
The word "paralyzed" traces back to Greek "paralysis," combining "para-" (beside/abnormal) and "lyein" (to loosen). Originally describing a medical condition where muscles "loosen" uncontrollably, the term evolved metaphorically to denote mental or systemic incapacity. The suffix "-ed" marks it as a past participle, indicating a completed action (e.g., "was paralyzed").
The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Fear paralyzed her during the presentation.
The city was paralyzed by the snowstorm.
A sudden shock paralyzed his ability to think.
The virus paralyzed the company’s operations for weeks.