to shut down / paralyze
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to shut down
To bring something to a standstill; to block the functioning of a system, organization, or process.
Ein unerwarteter Cyberangriff hat das gesamte Computernetzwerk der Firma lahmgelegt.
An unexpected cyberattack shut down the company's entire computer network.
'Lahmlegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'lahm' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Schneesturm legte den gesamten Verkehr lahm.
The snowstorm shut down all traffic.
The verb consists of the adjective 'lahm' (in the sense of paralyzed, immobile) and the verb 'legen' (to lay/put). Literally, it therefore means to put something into a paralyzed state.
Ein technischer Defekt hat die Aufzüge lahmgelegt.
A technical defect shut down the elevators.
This figurative meaning is the most common. Typically, abstract systems or processes are shut down, for example: traffic, the economy, a network, production, or a business operation.
Ein Streik der Fluglotsen kann den gesamten Flugverkehr lahmlegen.
A strike by air traffic controllers can shut down all air traffic.
The literal meaning, to make a living being unable to move, is rare and is mostly used in biological or medical contexts. In everyday language, 'lahmlegen' almost always refers to systems or processes.
Das Gift der Spinne kann ein Insekt in Sekunden lahmlegen.
The spider's venom can paralyze an insect in seconds.
to interrupt
'unterbrechen' and 'lahmlegen' can both mean that a process or system does not continue normally. 'unterbrechen' is usually more neutral and often only temporary: a connection, work, or action stops briefly and can continue later. 'lahmlegen' sounds stronger. It means that an entire system, traffic network, organization, or process stops functioning. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with things coming to a standstill. If it is only a pause or disruption, 'unterbrechen' fits. If something is almost completely blocked, 'lahmlegen' fits.
Der Streik hat am Morgen den ganzen Zugverkehr lahmgelegt.
The strike shut down all train traffic in the morning.
Ein kurzer Stromausfall unterbricht die Verbindung zum Server.
A brief power outage interrupts the connection to the server.