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Definition of immobilize

immobilize

/ɪˈmoʊ.bə.laɪz/
(UK: immobilise)
im · mo · bi · lize
Adjective:immobile
•
Past Simple:immobilized
•
Past Participle:immobilized
•
Present Participle:immobilizing
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immobilize Lexical Profile

immobilize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To prevent something or someone from moving or operating normally.

Example

"The heavy snowstorm threatened to immobilize public transportation across the entire region."

2

To restrict the movement of an injured limb or joint using a splint, cast, or brace so that it can heal properly.

Example

"The paramedic used a padded splint to immobilize the hiker's fractured wrist before transport."

3

To hold financial assets, capital, or securities in a fixed depository so that they cannot circulate freely.

Example

"The central bank decided to immobilize a portion of its gold reserves to back the new currency issue."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for immobilize

• Rhymes for immobilize

• Nearby Words

immobile
immobility
immobilization
immobilize
immobilizer
immoderate
immoderately

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from French immobiliser, formed from immobile ('motionless', from Latin immobilis) and the verbal suffix -iser.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Immobilize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/immobilize
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