paralyzer

Paralyzer is a term used to describe something or someone capable of causing paralysis, either temporarily or permanently. As a noun, it can refer to a person who paralyzes others, or more commonly to an agent, device, or substance that produces paralysis.

In medicine, paralytic agents are substances that block neural transmission to muscles, producing paralysis for procedures such as surgery or facilitating airway management. These include neuromuscular blocking agents used by clinicians, as well as certain toxins or drugs that interfere with nerve signaling.

In law enforcement, defense, and civilian safety contexts, “paralyzer” is a colloquial label for devices that incapacitate through energy or other means, often temporarily. Conducted-energy weapons and similar technologies are designed to reduce motor function, but their use is regulated and varies by jurisdiction.

In fiction and popular culture, a paralyzer is a fictional device or weapon that emits energy to immobilize targets, a common trope in science fiction and fantasy stories, games, and films.

Paralyzer also appears as a proper noun; for example, Paralyzer is the title of a 2007 song by the Canadian rock band Finger Eleven.

Etymology: from paralyze, with the agent-noun suffix -er. See also paralysis and paralytic.