mobilize

verb mo·bi·lize \ ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of mobilize

mobilized; mobilizing

transitive verb

1 a : to put into movement or circulation

mobilize financial assets

b : to release (something stored in the organism) for bodily use

The body mobilizes its antibodies.

2 a : to assemble and make ready for war duty

mobilize all reserve forces for overseas duty

b : to marshal (something, such as resources) for action

mobilize support for a proposal

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization

The army can mobilize quickly for a major war.

See mobilize defined for English-language learners

See mobilize defined for kids

Examples of mobilize in a Sentence

They couldn't mobilize enough support to pass the new law.
Several groups have mobilized to oppose the proposed new law.
They have the ability to mobilize quickly.
The government had to mobilize the army quickly.
More than 10,000 troops were mobilized for war.

Recent Examples of mobilize from the Web

Kentucky teachers have mobilized in response: in addition to protesting, at least 40 educators are planning to run for state legislative seats this year, said David Allen, a former president of the Kentucky Education Association.

— dana goldstein and alexander burns, New York Times, "Teacher Walkouts Threaten Republican Grip on Conservative States," 12 Apr. 2018
Arizona Educators United has mobilized teachers and supporters across the state through their #RedforEd campaign.

— CBS News, "Arizona teachers demanding raise protesting at schools across the state," 11 Apr. 2018
Previous presidents have mobilized National Guard troops to help monitor parts of the border.

— joseph tanfani, latimes.com, "Mattis authorizes up to 4,000 National Guard troops for U.S. border with Mexico," 7 Apr. 2018
Parkland has mobilized young voters nationwide and put the GOP-leaning gun lobby on the defensive.

— ledyard king, USA TODAY, "Parkland, hurricanes and Trump shaping Florida Senate race between Rick Scott and Bill Nelson," 1 Apr. 2018
Tractors and drivers have been mobilized for the most intensive sort of a drive against the vacant land of the United Kingdom.

— daniel c. schlenoff, Scientific American, "Industrial Steel Method from 1968; Industrial Candy in 1868," 1 Apr. 2018
The polarizing issue has mobilized lobbyists in Sacramento and housing activists across the state.

— angela hart, sacbee, "Cheaper California housing? One idea to lower costs makes candidates for governor uneasy | The Sacramento Bee," 28 Mar. 2018
The gut-wrenching aftermath of another mass school shooting has mobilized a generation of soon-to-be voters to call for action.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Gun violence ticking up, but chances of being victim of mass shooting still minuscle," 24 Mar. 2018
In the United States, Pope Francis' example has mobilized some American Catholics to push back against the Trump agenda on the Mexican border.

— bill weir, CNN, "Can Pope Francis keep the door open for refugees?," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mobilize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of mobilize

1838

mobilize Synonyms

MOBILIZE Defined for English Language Learners

mobilize

verb

Definition of mobilize for English Language Learners

: to bring (people) together for action
: to come together for action
: to make (soldiers, an army, etc.) ready for war

MOBILIZE Defined for Kids

mobilize

verb mo·bi·lize \ ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz \

Definition of mobilize for Students

mobilized; mobilizing

: to assemble (as military forces) and make ready for action

Medical Dictionary

mobilize

verb mo·bi·lize

variants: also British mobilise play \ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz\

medical Definition of mobilize

mobilized also British mobilised; mobilizing also British mobilising

transitive verb

1 : to put into movement or circulation : make mobile; specifically : to release (something stored in the body) for body use

the body mobilizes its antibodies

2 : to assemble (as resources) and make ready for use

the sympathetic nervous system…mobilizes the bodily resources as a means of preparing for fight or flight
—H. G. Armstrong

3 : to separate (an organ or part) from associated structures so as to make more accessible for operative procedures

4 : to develop to a state of acute activity

ego feeling and ego attitude…mobilize hostile feelings toward others
—Abram Kardiner

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization : assemble and organize for action

—

mobilizable

also British mobilisable play \ˈmō-bə-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

Learn More about mobilize

See words that rhyme with mobilize Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mobilize Spanish Central: Translation of mobilize Nglish: Translation of mobilize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mobilize for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up mobilize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

mobilize

Definition of mobilize

Examples of mobilize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of mobilize from the Web

First Known Use of mobilize

mobilize Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

MOBILIZE Defined for English Language Learners

mobilize

Definition of mobilize for English Language Learners

MOBILIZE Defined for Kids

mobilize

Definition of mobilize for Students

Medical Dictionary

mobilize

medical Definition of mobilize

mobilizable

Learn More about mobilize

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes