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
While booting a car may be an appropriate remedy to curb parking violations, booting a car that also immobilizes other non-offending vehicles is inappropriate.
—
Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
After the second fall, which occurred at his residence, Pope Francis’ arm was put in a sling to immobilize it.
—Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025
Rodents do extensive, expensive, potentially dangerous and immobilizing damage by chewing on automobiles’ wiring and more.
—Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
In mouse experiments, that meant immobilizing their heads so the research team could get clear scans.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for immobilize
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.
Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
After the second fall, which occurred at his residence, Pope Francis’ arm was put in a sling to immobilize it.
—Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025
Rodents do extensive, expensive, potentially dangerous and immobilizing damage by chewing on automobiles’ wiring and more.
—Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
In mouse experiments, that meant immobilizing their heads so the research team could get clear scans.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 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 10 Mar. 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share