immobilize
verb
im·mo·bi·lize
i-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 
immobilized; immobilizing; immobilizes
: 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
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
Unlike Cordyceps, which kills and immobilizes its hosts, Massospora keeps the lights on just long enough to turn cicadas into vessels of transmission.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Using a closeup lens, Chung noticed that the female would be immobilized and stop breathing for around an hour, giving the male time to mate safely.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Using a closeup lens, Chung noticed that the female would be immobilized and stop breathing for around an hour, giving the male time to mate safely.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
That immobilizes the females, which are normally around twice their size and commonly devour their partners.
—Daniel Wine, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for immobilize
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Using a closeup lens, Chung noticed that the female would be immobilized and stop breathing for around an hour, giving the male time to mate safely.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Using a closeup lens, Chung noticed that the female would be immobilized and stop breathing for around an hour, giving the male time to mate safely.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
That immobilizes the females, which are normally around twice their size and commonly devour their partners.
—Daniel Wine, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for immobilize
Cite this Entry
“Immobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immobilize. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
immobilize
verb
im·mo·bi·lize
im-ˈō-bə-ˌlīz
immobilized; immobilizing
: to fix in place : make immobile
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
immobilized; immobilizing
: to make immobile
specifically
: to turn (movable property) into immovable property (as by incorporating it into a building)
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