paralyzers
Things causing stillness
Paralyzers are things that cause paralysis—loss of movement or function.
The word applies literally to substances or conditions that immobilize the body: The venom contains paralyzers that stop the heart.
More often it's figurative, describing anything that renders someone unable to act: Fear and indecision are the great paralyzers.
Drug-induced calm state
- anesthesiaInduced loss of feeling
- analgesiaAbsence of sensation
- numbingCausing loss of sensation
- lidocaineTopical numbing medication
novocaine · propofol · ketamine · curare · spinal · epidural · local · general
Handheld electroshock device
- tranquilizerSubstance that induces calm
- dartHandheld pointed projectile
- blowgunBreath-propelled dart tube
- neurotoxinPoison attacking neural tissue
venom · electroshock · incapacitant · immobilizer · capture · subduing · takedown · hunting
Emotional response to threat
- terrorExtreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
trauma · grief · despair · indecision · overwhelm · panic · helplessness · powerlessness
Complete mutual obstruction
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- impasseSituation without resolution
- bureaucracyRigid administrative system
obstruction · bottleneck · logjam · stagnation · inertia · dysfunction · shutdown · standstill
sedation
Drug-induced calm state
- anesthesiaInduced loss of feeling
- analgesiaAbsence of sensation
- numbingCausing loss of sensation
lidocaine · novocaine · propofol · ketamine · curare · spinal · epidural · local · general · induction
taser
Handheld electroshock device
- tranquilizerSubstance that induces calm
- dartHandheld pointed projectile
- blowgunBreath-propelled dart tube
neurotoxin · venom · electroshock · incapacitant · immobilizer · capture · subduing · takedown · hunting · predator
fear
Emotional response to threat
- terrorExtreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
shock · trauma · grief · despair · indecision · overwhelm · panic · helplessness · powerlessness · vulnerability
gridlock
Complete mutual obstruction
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- impasseSituation without resolution
bureaucracy · obstruction · bottleneck · logjam · stagnation · inertia · dysfunction · shutdown · standstill · breakdown
paralyzersstimulants
Agents that heighten arousal
activators · energizers · mobilizers · invigorators · galvanizers
paralyzersmobilizers
Those who rally others
enablers · liberators · empowerers · activators · catalysts