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
Synonyms
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
Only one of the prongs connected to Whitfield, so he wasn’t immobilized.
—
Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024
Doolittle also alleges there were a number of turkeys who were immobilized and unable to access food and water.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 26 Nov. 2024
While many New Yorkers had trouble getting out of bed last Wednesday, not everyone in the city was immobilized by the election results.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 15 Nov. 2024
While waiting for help, keep the bite area immobilized and elevated.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for immobilize 
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Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024
Doolittle also alleges there were a number of turkeys who were immobilized and unable to access food and water.
—Kenny Torrella, Vox, 26 Nov. 2024
While many New Yorkers had trouble getting out of bed last Wednesday, not everyone in the city was immobilized by the election results.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 15 Nov. 2024
While waiting for help, keep the bite area immobilized and elevated.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for immobilize
Dictionary Entries Near immobilize
Cite this Entry
“Immobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immobilize. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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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