Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paralyze \Par"a*lyze\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Paralyzed}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Paralyzing}.] [F. paralyser. See {Paralysis}.]
   1. To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.

   2. Fig.: To unnerve; to destroy or impair the energy of; to
      render ineffective; as, the occurrence paralyzed the
      community; despondency paralyzed his efforts.

Source : WordNet®

paralyze
     v 1: make powerless and unable to function; "The bureaucracy
          paralyzes the entire operation" [syn: {paralyse}]
     2: cause to be paralyzed and immobile; "The poison paralyzed
        him"; "Fear paralyzed her" [syn: {paralyse}]