paralyzed with fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'paralyzed with fear' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a state of being so scared that one feels unable to move or act. For example, "He was so overwhelmed by the situation that he was paralyzed with fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was practically paralyzed with fear, but not so paralyzed that I couldn't wield a wine glass.

Huffington Post

Diffa was paralyzed with fear.

The Washington Post

He becomes paralyzed with fear".

The New York Times

The audience is paralyzed with fear and anticipation.

The New Yorker

At a low point in the search for Huck, she is "nearly paralyzed with fear".

The New York Times - Books

And yet, the sentence left me paralyzed with fear and anger.

The New Yorker

It's frequently said that bankers, paralyzed with fear, have been unwilling to make any new investments.

The New York Times

He added that Americans should not be paralyzed with fear or "intimidated away from liberty".

The New York Times

All this is not to say that Mexicans are paralyzed with fear.

The New York Times

"We were paralyzed with fear," one researcher at the debate said.

The New York Times

Fragile as a moth, maybe an ounce or two, heart beating 10 times a second and apparently paralyzed with fear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paralyzed with fear" to vividly depict a character's or individual's inability to act due to intense fear, creating a strong emotional impact in your writing. It is particularly effective in describing moments of crisis, suspense, or sudden shock.

Common error

Avoid using "paralyzed with fear" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your prose seem repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms or alternative expressions to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paralyzed with fear" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being overwhelmed by fear to the point of immobility or inaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paralyzed with fear" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of extreme fear that inhibits movement or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Primarily found in News & Media, it serves to vividly convey intense emotional states. While effective, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "frozen with terror" or "petrified with fright" to maintain engaging prose. Use it to create a strong emotional impact, especially in narratives involving crisis or suspense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frozen with terror

Replaces "fear" with "terror", intensifying the emotion and implying a more sudden onset of immobility.

petrified with fright

Uses "petrified" to emphasize the feeling of being turned to stone by fear, and "fright" as a more immediate form of fear.

immobilized by terror

Focuses on the inability to move due to intense terror, highlighting the physical effect of the emotion.

overcome with dread

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by a sense of impending doom or intense fear.

rooted to the spot by fear

This idiom vividly describes how fear can hold someone firmly in place, preventing any movement.

transfixed with horror

Suggests a state of being unable to look away from something horrifying, immobilizing the person.

stupefied by alarm

Indicates a state of shock and confusion caused by sudden alarm, leading to inaction.

rendered motionless by panic

Highlights the panic that leads to an inability to move, emphasizing the sudden and overwhelming nature of the fear.

crippled by apprehension

Uses "crippled" metaphorically to describe how apprehension can hinder action and movement.

powerless with trepidation

Focuses on the feeling of being unable to act due to overwhelming trepidation and anxiety.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "paralyzed with fear" in a sentence?

Use "paralyzed with fear" to describe a character's reaction to a shocking or terrifying event. For example, "She stood "frozen with fear" as the intruder entered the room."

What are some alternatives to saying "paralyzed with fear"?

Alternatives include "frozen with terror", "petrified with fright", or "immobilized by terror", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "paralyzed with fear"?

"Paralyzed with fear" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing to describe a state of extreme fear that prevents action. It's common in narratives, news reports, and even personal anecdotes.

What's the difference between "paralyzed with fear" and "anxious"?

"Paralyzed with fear" describes a state of intense, often sudden, fear that causes immobility or inaction. "Anxious", on the other hand, refers to a state of worry or unease that may not necessarily lead to physical paralysis. You can be anxious without being "immobilized with anxiety", but being "paralyzed with fear" implies a more extreme reaction.