Paralyze (verb)

1. Render unable to move or act.
2. Prevent from functioning or from making progress.
3. Cause to be paralyzed.

Origin:

Late 16th century (in the sense "make powerless"): from french paralyser, from greek paralyein "loosen, weaken", from para- "beside" + lyein "loosen".

Examples:

1. The accident paralyzed him from the waist down.
2. The fear paralyzed him and he couldn't move.
3. The strike paralyzed the city's transportation system.
4. The fear of failure paralyzed her and she couldn't take action.
5. The injury paralyzed her arm.