French Conversation · Level 64
75 words
French word
paralyser
Pronunciation
IPA/paʁalize/
Meaning
- verbparalyze
Example
Un accident a paralysé la circulation.
An accident paralyzed traffic.
More examples
La peur l'a paralysé.
Fear paralyzed him.
Core concept
A blocked signal leaves a body or system unable to move or respond.
Common phrases
paralyser la circulation
paralyze traffic
paralyser quelqu'un
paralyze someone
paralyser l'économie
paralyze the economy
Similar words
bloquer: Block a path or flow so that it cannot move forward.
figer: Become stiff and unable to move from shock or fear.
arrêter: Stop movement or progress.
immobiliser: Make something unable to move.
Definition in French
Provoquer la perte de mouvement ou de réaction, soit physiquement (nerfs, muscles), soit de façon figurée (circulation, activité).
Word origin
Paralyser derives from French paralysie, ultimately from Greek parálysis through Latin, with the sense of disabling movement extended to systems.
Usage tips
- Paralyser normally takes a direct object, as in paralyser la circulation, while the reflexive se paralyser describes becoming unable to act.