mobilize

verb

mo·​bi·​lize ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce mobilize (audio)
mobilized; mobilizing

transitive verb

1
a
: to put into movement or circulation
mobilize financial assets
b
: to release (something stored in the organism) for bodily use
The body mobilizes its antibodies.
2
a
: to assemble and make ready for war duty
mobilize all reserve forces for overseas duty
b
: to marshal (something, such as resources) for action
mobilize support for a proposal

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization
The army can mobilize quickly for a major war.

Examples of mobilize in a Sentence

They couldn't mobilize enough support to pass the new law. Several groups have mobilized to oppose the proposed new law. They have the ability to mobilize quickly. The government had to mobilize the army quickly. More than 10,000 troops were mobilized for war.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Stand with Crypto, which has enrolled 1.8 million advocates across the country, is also working to mobilize digital asset owners living in swing states. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 See celebrities cast their votes in 2024 presidential election Speaking on stage alongside her pal and former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé urged voters to mobilize. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The Vote for Freedom rally is the campaign’s final Get Out The Vote effort before Election Day on Tuesday and is part of a simultaneous organizing of events the campaign is holding in seven battleground states to capture grassroots enthusiasm and mobilize voters. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 Orlando Police said that around 100 officers were mobilized in response to the incident. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mobilize 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mobilize was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near mobilize

Cite this Entry

“Mobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mobilize. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mobilize

verb
mo·​bi·​lize ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce mobilize (audio)
mobilized; mobilizing
: to assemble and make ready for action : marshal
mobilization
ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

mobilize

verb
mo·​bi·​lize
variants also British mobilise
mobilized also British mobilised; mobilizing also British mobilising

transitive verb

1
: to put into movement or circulation : make mobile
specifically : to release (something stored in the body) for body use
the body mobilizes its antibodies
2
: to assemble (as resources) and make ready for use
the sympathetic nervous system … mobilizes the bodily resources as a means of preparing for fight or flightH. G. Armstrong
3
: to separate (an organ or part) from associated structures so as to make more accessible for operative procedures
4
: to develop to a state of acute activity
ego feeling and ego attitude … mobilize hostile feelings toward othersAbram Kardiner

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization : assemble and organize for action
mobilizable adjective
also British mobilisable

More from Merriam-Webster on mobilize

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