How to pronounce paralyze
Say it like PAR-uh-lyze. Paralyze has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paralyze. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAR
- uh
- lyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paralyze pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of paralyze
American and British speakers say paralyze in essentially the same way: /ˈpærəˌlaɪz/ in the US and /ˈpærəlaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAR-uh-lyze.
What does paralyze mean?
- To afflict with paralysis.
- To render unable to move; to immobilize.
- To render unable to function properly.“The transport strike paralyzed the city.”
Where does paralyze come from?
Partly a borrowing from French.
Questions about saying paralyze
How do you pronounce paralyze?
Say PAR-uh-lyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈpærəˌlaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈpærəlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paralyze?
Paralyze has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR). Broken into parts: PAR · uh · lyze.
Do Americans and Brits say paralyze the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpærəˌlaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈpærəlaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.