Paralyse

Paralyse

Verb · /ˈpær.ə.laɪz/

Definition

(1) To cause paralysis in (a person or animal) — to make unable to move or feel, typically through damage or disease affecting the nervous system. (2) To make helpless or unable to act or function — to paralyse with fear, to paralyse a system or organisation; to bring to a complete standstill. British spelling: paralyse. American spelling: paralyze.

Origin

From French paralyser, from paralysie (paralysis), itself from Latin paralysis, from Greek parálysis — from para (beside, alongside, abnormally) + lyein (to loosen, to release). Paralyse therefore meaning to abnormally loosen — to dissolve the proper tension and function of muscles or nerves, leaving them without the ability to contract. The Greek medical tradition identifying paralysis as a loosening of the nervous control of muscles. The word appearing in English from the early nineteenth century.