immobilize

[ ih-moh-buh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, im·mo·bi·lized, im·mo·bi·liz·ing.

1. to make immobile or immovable; fix in place.
2. to prevent the use, activity, or movement of:

   The hurricane immobilized the airlines.

3. to deprive of the capacity for mobilization:

   The troops were immobilized by the enemy.

4. Medicine/Medical. to prevent, restrict, or reduce normal movement in (the body, a limb, or a joint), as by a splint, cast, or prescribed bed rest.
5. to render (an opponent's strategy) ineffective; stymie.
6. Finance.
   1. to establish a monetary reserve by withdrawing (specie) from circulation.
   2. to create fixed capital in place of (circulating capital).

immobilize

/ ɪˈməʊbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become immobile

   to immobilize a car

2. finance
   1. to remove (specie) from circulation and hold it as a reserve
   2. to convert (circulating capital) into fixed capital

Derived Forms

• imˈmobiˌlizer, noun
• imˌmobiliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• im·mobi·li·zation noun
• im·mobi·lizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of immobilize¹

1870–75; immobile + -ize; mobilize and compare French immobiliser

Example Sentences

I don't have the privilege of being immobilized, so since Wednesday morning I've been working on what I can do to help the situation in any way that I possibly can.

From Salon

At very high doses, it can make people feel immobilized and spur hallucinations.

From Los Angeles Times

For Burnett’s Norma, despite spending several episodes unconscious or immobilized in a bed or wheelchair, the character nevertheless is coiffed, made up and accessorized, often with a dazzling turban and earrings.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are making progress in our discussions on potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine,” the statement said.

From New York Times

“We are making progress in our discussions on potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine,” the draft statement said, without providing details.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cripple
• debilitate
• disable
• disarm
• impair
• incapacitate
• mangle
• mutilate
• paralyze
• shatter