immobilize
C1Formal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
To make something incapable of movement or operation.
To render someone or something inactive, static, or non-functional, whether physically, financially, or organizationally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies an external force or event causing a complete cessation of movement or function. Can be physical (e.g., a broken limb), mechanical (e.g., a vehicle), or abstract (e.g., financial assets).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English also commonly uses the spelling 'immobilise'. American English exclusively uses 'immobilize'.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in contexts like 'immobilize a suspect'. Comparable frequency in medical/technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP ___ NP (e.g., The injury immobilized him.)NP ___ NP with NP (e.g., They immobilized the van with a wheel clamp.)NP be/get immobilized (e.g., The funds were immobilized by the court.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated; the verb itself is often used in technical/medical phraseology)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to making financial assets or capital unavailable for use, often due to legal restrictions.
Academic
Used in medical, engineering, and social sciences to describe rendering a system, limb, or process inactive.
Everyday
Most commonly used for vehicles (e.g., a steering lock immobilizes a car) or describing someone physically unable to move due to injury or shock.
Technical
Key term in medicine (splints immobilize fractures), automotive security (immobilizer devices), and military/security operations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The police used a taser to immobilise the assailant.
- A legal order can immobilise the company's assets.
American English
- The cast will immobilize your wrist for six weeks.
- The new software bug could immobilize the entire network.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable. The adverb is 'immobilisingly', but it is extremely rare.)
American English
- (Not applicable. The adverb is 'immobilizingly', but it is extremely rare.)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable. The adjective is 'immobile'.)
American English
- (Not applicable. The adjective is 'immobile'.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2. Use 'stop' or 'cannot move' instead.)
- The broken leg immobilized the footballer for months.
- Always use the handbrake to immobilize your car on a hill.
- The sudden news of the accident immobilized her with shock.
- The government moved to immobilize the funds linked to the criminal organisation.
- The enzyme inhibitor works by immobilizing the protein's active site.
- Geopolitical tensions have effectively immobilized the diplomatic process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IMMOBILE-ize' – to make something immobile.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS LIFE / FUNCTION; IMMOBILIZATION IS DEATH / FAILURE. (e.g., 'The scandal immobilized the government.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'мобилизовать' (to mobilize), which is the antonym. The prefix 'im-' means 'not'.
- Avoid using 'обездвижить' for non-physical contexts; in finance, use more specific terms like 'заморозить активы' (freeze assets).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'immobilize' (verb) with 'immobile' (adjective).
- Misspelling as 'immobalize' or 'immobilise' in American English contexts.
- Using it for temporary, minor hindrances instead of a complete stop.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'immobilize' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It can be used for people (immobilized by injury), objects (immobilize a vehicle), and abstract concepts (immobilize resources).
'Paralyze' often implies a loss of sensation or nerve function, especially in medical contexts, and is commonly used metaphorically (e.g., paralyzed with fear). 'Immobilize' is broader, focusing on the result—preventing movement or function—by any means (mechanical, legal, medical).
Yes, 'immobilise' is the standard British English spelling. 'Immobilize' is the standard American English spelling and is also widely used internationally.
Rarely. It is typically neutral or negative (e.g., immobilizing a broken bone for healing is a necessary, positive action, but the state itself is one of restriction).
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