immobilize

[ ih-moh-buh-lahyz ]
/ ɪˈmoʊ bəˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), im·mo·bi·lized, im·mo·bi·liz·ing.

to make immobile or immovable; fix in place.
to prevent the use, activity, or movement of: The hurricane immobilized the airlines.
to deprive of the capacity for mobilization: The troops were immobilized by the enemy.
Medicine/Medical. to prevent, restrict, or reduce normal movement in (the body, a limb, or a joint), as by a splint, cast, or prescribed bed rest.
to render (an opponent's strategy) ineffective; stymie.
Finance.
  1. to establish a monetary reserve by withdrawing (specie) from circulation.
  2. to create fixed capital in place of (circulating capital).
Also especially British, im·mo·bi·lise.

Origin of immobilize

1870–75; immobile + -ize; see mobilize and compare French immobiliser

OTHER WORDS FROM immobilize

im·mo·bi·li·za·tion, noun im·mo·bi·liz·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for immobilize

British Dictionary definitions for immobilize

immobilize

immobilise

/ (ɪˈməʊbɪˌlaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to make or become immobile to immobilize a car
finance
  1. to remove (specie) from circulation and hold it as a reserve
  2. to convert (circulating capital) into fixed capital

Derived forms of immobilize

immobilization or immobilisation, noun immobilizer or immobiliser, noun

Medical definitions for immobilize

immobilize
[ ĭ-mōbə-līz′ ]

v.

To render immobile.
To fix the position of a joint or fractured limb, as with a splint or cast.

Other words from immobilize

im•mo′bi•li•zation (-lĭ-zāshən) n.