immobilize

verb

im·​mo·​bi·​lize i-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 

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

i-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

immobilizer

i-ˈmō-bə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• cripple
• disable
• hamstring
• incapacitate
• paralyze
• prostrate

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

What happened next hewed closely to a fire-fighting approach used by Nabiullina in crises past — though the central bank had to restrict the movement of capital abroad and gave up interventions in defense of the ruble after sanctions immobilized around $300 billion, or about half of its reserves. —Rachel Ventresca, Fortune Europe, 7 June 2024

The hand and wrist are then splinted to immobilize them, though the fingers can remain free. —Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 3 June 2024

The right side of Romer’s body was immobilized, but her mind was running at full speed. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 June 2024

For Burnett’s Norma, despite spending several episodes unconscious or immobilized in a bed or wheelchair, the character nevertheless is coiffed, made up and accessorized, often with a dazzling turban and earrings. —Valli Herman, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

immobilize

verb

im·​mo·​bi·​lize im-ˈō-bə-ˌlīz 

immobilized; immobilizing

: to fix in place : make immobile

immobilization

im-ˌō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

immobilizer

im-ˈō-bə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Medical Definition

immobilize

transitive verb

im·​mo·​bi·​lize

variants also British immobilise

im-ˈō-bə-ˌlīz 

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)

immobilization

i-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun