paralyze/ˈpæɹəlaɪz/EtymologyPartly a borrowing from French. Probably partly either (i) formed within English, by derivation. Or partly (ii) a borrowing from French, combined with an English element. Etymons: Middle English paralysie, -ize suffix; French paralyser.paralyze means To afflict with paralysis. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 76 out of 100.verbTo afflict with paralysis.To render unable to move; to immobilize.“So I stood alone in horror / Paralyzed with fear and dread / When a voice dead and inhuman / Whispered to me "go, you fool, Warren's dead!"”To render unable to function properly.“The transport strike paralyzed the city.”