paralizar
/paɾaliˈθaɾ/ · B2 · verb
to paralyze
🧊 paralizar = para-lyze: sounds like paralyze, same Greek root para + lysis (loosen)
Spanish paralizar is a near twin of English paralyze. Both come from Greek paralyein, 'to loosen at the side': para (beside) + lyein (loosen). The muscles are loosened from control, so movement stops.