1
as in crippling
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days
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2
as in frightening
to deprive of courage or confidence
the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything
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Recent Examples of paralyzing
Though the scale of the problem can feel paralyzing, many solutions are known.
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Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024
In 2007, after Estonia removed a Soviet war monument from downtown Tallinn, Russia conducted a massive cyberattack, paralyzing the country’s internet infrastructure for three weeks.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Boeing leadership are locked in a paralyzing blame game over the strike, with both sides filing charges accusing the other of unfair labor practices during negotiations.
—Reuters, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024
Insects like wasps also tend to target spiders, often paralyzing them and using their bodies to feed their larvae.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024
In 1995, thrown from his horse during a competition, Reeve suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024
This fear of failure can be paralyzing, keeping people from taking risks or venturing outside their comfort zones.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Chinese leaders, for their part, seem to envision rapid, paralyzing strikes that break Taiwanese resistance and present the United States with a fait accompli.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2021
The grocery aisles have become almost paralyzing with beverage options.
—Whizy Kim, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024
In 2007, after Estonia removed a Soviet war monument from downtown Tallinn, Russia conducted a massive cyberattack, paralyzing the country’s internet infrastructure for three weeks.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Boeing leadership are locked in a paralyzing blame game over the strike, with both sides filing charges accusing the other of unfair labor practices during negotiations.
—Reuters, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024
Insects like wasps also tend to target spiders, often paralyzing them and using their bodies to feed their larvae.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024
In 1995, thrown from his horse during a competition, Reeve suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024
This fear of failure can be paralyzing, keeping people from taking risks or venturing outside their comfort zones.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Chinese leaders, for their part, seem to envision rapid, paralyzing strikes that break Taiwanese resistance and present the United States with a fait accompli.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2021
The grocery aisles have become almost paralyzing with beverage options.
—Whizy Kim, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyzing
Verb
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This imbalance prevents any bylaw changes to rein in abuses or limit the use of property, undermining the quality of life of those full-time residents and transforming the nature of the neighborhood.Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024
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Easterly said those efforts are primarily aimed at sowing discord among Americans and undermining faith in the security of the nation’s elections.Christina A. Cassidy and Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
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That little moment of humor broke the ice, and suddenly, what had felt intimidating just felt like a conversation.Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
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Libby also often hiked the Monon High Bridge trail and was never scared to cross the bridge, which is famous and intimidating for its height and the big gaps between the wooden steps.Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Oct. 2024
Verb
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The role of a judge in these cases, Victor said, isn't to determine whether someone has a disabling condition and should have been paid benefits.Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2024
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The role of the judge in these cases, Victor said, isn't to determine whether someone has a disabling condition and should have been paid benefits.Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
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China has struggled with looming deflationary pressures due to a prolonged real estate downturn and weakening domestic consumer confidence.Anniek Bao,Sonia Heng, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2024
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So far, that has meant assaulting Gaza and weakening Hamas, before obliterating Hezbollah’s command structure, including killing its powerful leader Hassan Nasrallah.Alexander Smith, NBC News, 2 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near paralyzing
Cite this Entry
“Paralyzing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyzing. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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