immobilize

/ɪˈmoʊbɪlaɪz/

/ɪˈmʌʊbɪlaɪz/

Other forms: immobilized; immobilizing; immobilizes

To immobilize something is to make it impossible for it to move. You can immobilize a battery-operated toy by taking the battery out.

You could immobilize your brother's car by letting the air out of his tires, or immobilize your little sister by making her so scared of an imaginary monster in the bathroom that she can't move a muscle. In both examples, someone or something is prevented from moving. To immobilize is to make immobile, or motionless, from the Latin root immobilis, which means both "immovable," and also "hard-hearted."

Definitions of immobilize

1. verb

   to hold fast or prevent from moving
   synonyms: immobilise, pin, trap
2. verb

   cause to be unable to move
   “The sudden storm immobilized the traffic”

   synonyms: immobilise

   types:

   paralyse, paralyze

   cause to be paralyzed and immobile

   stun, stupefy, zonk

   make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow

   palsy

   affect with palsy

   type of:

   curb, curtail, cut back, restrict

   place restrictions on
3. verb

   make defenseless
   synonyms: immobilise

   type of:

   beat, beat out, crush, shell, trounce, vanquish

   come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
4. verb

   hold as reserve or withdraw from circulation; of capital
   synonyms: immobilise

   type of:

   keep back, withhold

   hold back; refuse to hand over or share
5. verb

   prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
   synonyms: block, freeze, immobilise

   type of:

   keep back, withhold

   hold back; refuse to hand over or share
6. verb

   convert (assets) into fixed capital
   synonyms: immobilise

   type of:

   convert

   change in nature, purpose, or function; undergo a chemical change