lahm|legen
Translation
to paralyze, to cripple, to bring to a standstill
Examples
Der Streik legt den gesamten Verkehr lahm.
The strike is paralyzing all traffic.
Ein Virus kann den Computer lahmlegen.
A virus can paralyze the computer.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) lahmlegen to paralyze (sth.) A virus can the computer lahmlegen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: paralysieren (to paralyze), blockieren (to block), stilllegen (to shut down)
Etymology
Composed of 'lahm' (lame) and 'legen' (to lay). It literally means 'to lay lame' or 'to put into a lame state'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'laying' an entire system 'lame'. A strike 'lays the traffic lame', meaning it paralyzes it.