paralyzing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Polio was the most feared disease in America by the early 1950s, paralyzing thousands of children annually and frequently closing public places to halt its spread.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

For Tamma and Dan, this is likened to fighting through the paralyzing obstacles of poverty and family pressure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Their paralyzing fear of Carol’s ire is empowering, pathetic and hilarious.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

The two sides had agreed to put further tariff increases on hold until later in the year after months of negotiations and an earlier escalation that raised tariffs on China to 145%, paralyzing trade.

From Barron's • Sep. 30, 2025

In the Bronx, the idea of life’s impermanence underlined everything for kids my age—it drove some of us to a paralyzing apathy, stopped us from even thinking too far into the future.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore