IMMOBILIZE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

immobilize

verb

i-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz

Definition of immobilize

as in to paralyze

to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move town councils felt immobilized by the powers newly granted to the state legislation

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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.

Recent Examples of immobilize In other words, failure of our major institutions need not leave the public powerless and immobilized. — Anandita Sabherwal, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 When knees, ankles and other joints with muscles around them are immobilized, those muscles can atrophy. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Then, video shows the moment two officers attempted to immobilize Ruiz with what appear to be Tasers. — Chris Looft, ABC News, 24 July 2026 The bill would also require rules governing use of tire-deflation devices to immobilize street takeover cars without causing tire blowouts. — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for immobilize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for immobilize

Verb

She is paralyzed from the waist down after a suicide attempt following killing her children.

— Carmel Wroth, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Clancy, who was left paralyzed by a suicide attempt that followed the killings, was brought forward in her wheelchair to listen.

— Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of paralyze

Verb

The video shows the Taser not incapacitating her and the woman walking quickly toward the officers while waving the knives in front of her.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
First, the knife had to be able penetrate deep into its target, even through heavy winter clothing, to deliver a blow that would quickly incapacitate.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of incapacitate

Verb

Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russia denies.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russian officials deny.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of undermine

Browse Nearby Words

immobility

immobilize

immobilized

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“Immobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immobilize. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of immobilize

verb

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