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 The responding officers immobilize out-of-control suspects, who appear to be going through a mental health crisis or were on drugs, without hurting their targets and de-escalate situations that in the past might have spiraled out of control and ended in deaths. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2024 But just months before a pivotal election pitting them against the ruling Awami League, the immobilizing effect is clear. Mujib Mashal Atul Loke, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2023 While a single hit in the right place may be enough, it often one or more strikes to immobilize a tank, typically by damaging the engine, followed by more to finish it off. David Hambling, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Black widows use their potent venom to immobilize their prey before wrapping it in silk and employing digestive enzymes to prepare their meal. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 In 2023, protesters blocked off the cars with traffic cones to immobilize them. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2024 Trammell’s shoulder – Dutcher said he’s had issues with it before – flared up over the weekend, and the senior guard was put into a sling to immobilize it with hopes of reducing the swelling. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2023 Now both legs are immobilized with his sore pad exposed. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Jan. 2024 Cheeky, then, for Biden to turn around and say that he’s immobilized by congressional inaction. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'immobilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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
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