The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Paralyze \Par"a*lyze\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paralyzed; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Paralyzing.] [F. paralyser. See Paralysis.]
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   1. To affect or strike with paralysis or palsy.
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   2. Fig.: To unnerve; to destroy or impair the energy of; to
      render ineffective; as, the occurrence paralyzed the
      community; despondency paralyzed his efforts.
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