Word
paralyzing
Phoneticspar·a·lyz·ing, stress on the first syllable
/ˈpɛɹəˌɫaɪzɪŋ/
UK spelling · paralysing
Definition
adj. so scary or shocking that you cannot move, think, or act for a short time.
adj. causing a complete inability to move or act, usually because of intense fear, shock, or physical injury. Often used figuratively to describe doubt or fear that prevents decision or action.
Examples
“Fear has a paralyzing effect on many people.”
“She feels a paralyzing fear before job interviews and struggles to answer even simple questions.”
“The city faces a paralyzing traffic jam after the storm, with emergency vehicles unable to reach flooded streets for hours.”
Examples
simple
“Fear has a paralyzing effect on many people.”
contextual
“She feels a paralyzing fear before job interviews and struggles to answer even simple questions.”
complex
“The city faces a paralyzing traffic jam after the storm, with emergency vehicles unable to reach flooded streets for hours.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “paralyzing” in context.
Verb
01. become paralyzing
“Without clear leadership, uncertainty can quickly become paralyzing.”
verb + adj
02. consider paralyzing
“She considered the silence in the courtroom paralyzing.”
verb + adj
03. find paralyzing
“Many students find public speaking paralyzing at first.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. absolutely paralyzing
“The news of the accident was absolutely paralyzing for the whole family.”
adv + adj
05. nearly paralyzing
“He felt a nearly paralyzing dread before the final exam results.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. paralyzing anxiety
“She experienced paralyzing anxiety before her visa interview.”
adj + noun
07. paralyzing dread
“A paralyzing dread settled over the city before the storm hit.”
adj + noun
08. paralyzing effect
“Constant criticism can have a paralyzing effect on creativity.”
adj + noun
09. a paralyzing effect on creativity
“Micromanagement can have a paralyzing effect on creativity.”
10. a paralyzing fear of failure
“Perfectionism often stems from a paralyzing fear of failure.”
11. caught in paralyzing indecision
“The government was caught in paralyzing indecision during the crisis.”
12. overcome by paralyzing fear
“The hiker was overcome by paralyzing fear when the trail disappeared.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel'.
Real-World Examples
“Some paralyzing injuries completely sever the spinal cord, but more often, damaged connections between the brain and the lower body remain.” Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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