paralyzed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paralyzed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a state of being unable to move or act, often due to fear, shock, or a physical condition. Example: "She felt paralyzed by the unexpected news." Alternative expressions include "frozen," "immobilized," and "stunned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At one point Evans is reduced to playing with one hand, having paralyzed his right arm shooting up.Though this biography vaguely attributes Evans's addiction to the travail of a sensitive soul in an uncaring world, other sources suggest it was something more wilful.

The Economist

The affected muscles are eventually paralyzed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Incrementalism circumvents these problems, producing defensible policies where the rational method is paralyzed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a more bizarre manner, other solitary wasps place one egg in the body of an insect or spider previously paralyzed by the wasp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her mother, Elena, was a psychotherapist, and her father, Raymond grandson of H.H. Asquith, who served as prime minister from 1908 to 1916 was a merchant banker who became partially paralyzed after an operation to remove a brain tumour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes after operations (especially abdominal operations), the gut becomes paralyzed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The former, which won two Golden Globe Awards one for best director and the other for best foreign-language film concerns a style-magazine editor who suffers a stroke, which leaves him almost completely paralyzed, and dictates his memoirs by blinking his left eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Emotionally paralyzed by World War I and its aftermath, Rilke wrote little more until February 1922, when in a burst of nearly manic productivity he revised the fifth poem, completed the remaining five of the cycle, and wrote the 55 poems that comprise the Sonnets to Orpheus, all in a span of three weeks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A drama set in Renaissance Florence but with clear links to the disillusionment of post-1830 France is combined with a brilliant psychological study of a once pure but now debauched hero almost paralyzed by doubt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perlman contracted polio at age four, which left his legs paralyzed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the pyramid collapsed during a 1962 performance, two members of the troupe were killed and a third was paralyzed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paralyzed" precisely, distinguishing physical paralysis from emotional or metaphorical immobility for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "paralyzed" excessively in metaphorical contexts when more vivid verbs or adjectives can better capture the specific nuance of inaction or inability. For example, instead of "paralyzed by fear", try "immobilized by fear" or "frozen with fear".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "paralyzed" is as a past participle or adjective. It describes a state of being unable to move or function, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples of individuals "paralyzed" by injury, disease, or fear. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paralyzed" functions as a past participle or adjective to describe a state of immobility or inability to function, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and wide usage, particularly in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "immobilized" or "incapacitated" for more nuanced expression. The term's neutral register allows for usage across various formality levels, though precise application is crucial to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immobilized

Indicates a state of being unable to move or be moved, similar to being physically "paralyzed".

incapacitated

Refers to being deprived of strength or power, overlapping with the inability to function implied by "paralyzed".

incapacitated

Refers to being deprived of strength or power; similar to inability to function implied by "paralyzed".

disabled

Focuses on a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities, a common cause of being "paralyzed".

motionless

Describes a state of being without movement, reflecting one aspect of being "paralyzed".

nonfunctional

Emphasizes the loss of ability to perform a specific function, similar to how a "paralyzed" limb cannot function.

frozen

Conveys a sense of immobility or being stuck, akin to being "paralyzed" by fear or shock.

out of action

Focuses on the inability to act or participate, similar to being "paralyzed" in a metaphorical sense.

petrified

Implies being so frightened that one is unable to move, a specific emotional state that can lead to being "paralyzed".

powerless

Highlights a lack of ability or strength to act, mirroring the helplessness associated with being "paralyzed".

FAQs

What does it mean to be "paralyzed"?

To be "paralyzed" means to be unable to move or function, either physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. Physically, it refers to the loss of muscle function. Emotionally, it suggests being overwhelmed and unable to act.

What are some synonyms for "paralyzed"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "paralyzed" include "immobilized", "incapacitated", "motionless", or "frozen".

How can I use "paralyzed" in a sentence?

You can use "paralyzed" in a sentence like this: "The accident left him "paralyzed" from the waist down", or "She was "paralyzed" by fear when she saw the intruder".

Is it appropriate to use "paralyzed" metaphorically?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "paralyzed" metaphorically to describe a state of being unable to act or make decisions due to fear, shock, or some other overwhelming emotion. For example: "The news left her "paralyzed" with grief".