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
As Cabrera laid down in the dirt, the Yankees and Mariners’ training staffs worked to immobilize him.
—
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Phone removal Separating your phone from a bike mount can be awkward, especially if it’s securely immobilized.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Any vehicle immobilized by a mine will be spotted by the reconnaissance drones, and bombers and FPVs dispatched to finish it off before it can be recovered
PTM-1S: Lightweight, Lacks Punch
Other drone operators wanted a lightweight mine which could be carried by FPVs and other small drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Early treatment includes protecting and immobilizing the foot, such as with a cast or boot.
—Isabel Casimiro, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for immobilize
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Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Phone removal Separating your phone from a bike mount can be awkward, especially if it’s securely immobilized.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Any vehicle immobilized by a mine will be spotted by the reconnaissance drones, and bombers and FPVs dispatched to finish it off before it can be recovered
PTM-1S: Lightweight, Lacks Punch
Other drone operators wanted a lightweight mine which could be carried by FPVs and other small drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Early treatment includes protecting and immobilizing the foot, such as with a cast or boot.
—Isabel Casimiro, Verywell Health, 22 May 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 14 Jun. 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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