adjective

paralyzing

paralysing, crippling, numbing

The paralyzing fear kept him from moving.

The paralysing fear kept him from moving.

The snowstorm had a paralyzing effect on the city.

The snowstorm had a paralysing effect on the city.

((noun)) as an adjective before a noun The paralysing fear kept him from moving.

Synonyms: crippling, disabling, numbing; Antonyms: empowering, enabling

From Greek 'paralysis' (disabling of the nerves), from 'para-' (beside) + 'lysis' (a loosening).

Imagine being so scared you're frozen like a statue – that's a paralysing fear.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.