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
But then, only feet away from the cliff, the helicopter stopped sliding, immobilized by a white wall of snow that had mythically, magically, and wonderfully piled up underneath it.
—
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025
In the wake of her passing, I was immobilized by grief.
—Carissa Talmage, People.com, 2 May 2025
The viscous substance coats the attacker, immobilizing or fatally compromising them by clogging joints, mouthparts and spiracles.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
An After-Mating Meal All octopuses are venomous, with the majority of these cephalopods using their venom to fend off their predators or to immobilize their prey.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for immobilize
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Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025
In the wake of her passing, I was immobilized by grief.
—Carissa Talmage, People.com, 2 May 2025
The viscous substance coats the attacker, immobilizing or fatally compromising them by clogging joints, mouthparts and spiracles.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
An After-Mating Meal All octopuses are venomous, with the majority of these cephalopods using their venom to fend off their predators or to immobilize their prey.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 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 24 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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