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
As officers advanced, Gilchrest began fleeing again and an officer deployed a taser to immobilize the suspect and further prevent him from attempting to carjack vehicles, the release says.
—
Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2024
All my experiences with athletic tape involved protecting an injured joint by tightly wrapping and immobilizing it.
—Cory Smith, Outside Online, 26 June 2024
The stings are designed to drive off predators or immobilize prey.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024
The tool quickly immobilizes someone by jolting them with electricity, causing muscles to seize.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for immobilize 
Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2024
All my experiences with athletic tape involved protecting an injured joint by tightly wrapping and immobilizing it.
—Cory Smith, Outside Online, 26 June 2024
The stings are designed to drive off predators or immobilize prey.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024
The tool quickly immobilizes someone by jolting them with electricity, causing muscles to seize.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for immobilize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'immobilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near immobilize
Cite this Entry
“Immobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immobilize. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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