verb
1.
to render completely powerless, ineffective, or inert
a general strike that paralyzed the nation
Synonyms: cripple, disable, disarm, immobilize, incapacitate, prostrate; compare maim , weaken 1
Related Word: deaden, enfeeble, weaken; close, shut (down); freeze; demolish, destroy, knock out
Idioms: bring to a grinding halt, tie hand and foot
2.
Synonyms: daze 2, bedaze, bemuse, benumb, petrify, stun, stupefy
Related Word: appall, daunt, dismay, horrify; cripple, disable, enfeeble, weaken; astound, flabbergast, nonplus
Contrasted words: animate, enliven, pep (up), stimulate
Antonyms: galvanize