immobilize

verb

im·​mo·​bi·​lize i-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce immobilize (audio)
immobilized; immobilizing; immobilizes

transitive verb

: to make immobile: such as
a
: to reduce or eliminate motion of (the body or a part) by mechanical means or by strict bed rest
b
: to prevent freedom of movement or effective use of
the planes were immobilized by bad weather
c
: to withhold (money or capital) from circulation
immobilization noun
immobilizer noun

Examples of immobilize in a Sentence

Doctors immobilized her wrist by putting it in a cast. I was immobilized by fear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stay calm and immobilize the affected area to slow the spread of venom. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024 With little protection against illnesses like smallpox, tuberculosis or plague, people would have been immobilized by fear if not for the ability to repress reality. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 These will not wreck vehicles like an anti-tank mine, but are powerful enough to destroy a tire and leave a vehicle immobilized for FPVs or bomber drones to finish off. David Hambling, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The drones’ incendiary spray is fairly inaccurate, which is why the 30th Mechanized Brigade had to immobilize that Russian tank before the brigade’s dragon drone could swoop in. David Axe, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for immobilize 

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immobilize was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near immobilize

Cite this Entry

“Immobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immobilize. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

immobilize

verb
im·​mo·​bi·​lize im-ˈō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce immobilize (audio)
immobilized; immobilizing
: to fix in place : make immobile
immobilization noun
immobilizer noun

Medical Definition

immobilize

transitive verb
im·​mo·​bi·​lize
variants also British immobilise
immobilized also British immobilised; immobilizing also British immobilising
: to make immobile
especially : to fix (as a body part) so as to reduce or eliminate motion usually by means of a cast or splint, by strapping, or by strict bed rest
immobilizing a fractured bone by a cast and continuous traction
immobilize an injury
immobilize all patients with a suspected neck or spine injury

Legal Definition

immobilize

transitive verb
im·​mo·​bi·​lize i-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce immobilize (audio)
immobilized; immobilizing
: to make immobile
specifically : to turn (movable property) into immovable property (as by incorporating it into a building)
immobilization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on immobilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!