Immobilization: meaning, definitions and examples

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immobilization

 

[ɪˌmoʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

The act of making something or someone unable to move or operate as normal, especially by using restraints or casting.

Synonyms

confinement, incapacitation, restriction.

Examples of usage

  • The immobilization of the patient's leg was necessary to prevent further injury.
  • After the car accident, the driver required immobilization of his neck to avoid aggravating the damage.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

The process of converting assets into a form that cannot easily be sold, such as real estate.

Synonyms

blockage, freeze, lock-up.

Examples of usage

  • The company faced financial difficulties due to the immobilization of its assets in long-term investments.
  • During the economic crisis, many investors experienced the immobilization of their funds in illiquid markets.

Interesting Facts

Medical Science

  • In medicine, immobilization is often used to help broken bones heal properly by preventing movement.
  • Splints and casts are common tools for immobilization, providing support to injured limbs.
  • Certain conditions, like severe arthritis, may require immobilization to reduce pain and prevent further injury.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, immobilization can refer to a state where individuals feel unable to act due to overwhelming emotions or stress.
  • The 'fight or flight' response sometimes leads to 'freeze' behavior, where a person may feel immobilized when faced with danger.
  • Therapists may work with patients who experience immobilization in trauma responses, helping them regain a sense of control.

Animal Behavior

  • Some animals use immobilization as a defense mechanism, playing dead to avoid predators.
  • Certain species of reptiles can become immobile as a survival tactic, blending into their surroundings.
  • In the wild, immobilization can also refer to the way prey animals may freeze to avoid detection by predators.

Sports and Rehabilitation

  • Athletes often undergo immobilization after injuries, as it helps their bodies recover and regain strength.
  • Physical therapists frequently design rehabilitation programs that include periods of immobilization to promote healing.
  • Specific sports might lead to different types of immobilization techniques, like rope binding for ankle injuries in climbing.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, immobilization can relate to preventing individuals from moving freely, often used in discussions about restraint.
  • Certain laws may include immobilization as a measure for public safety, particularly concerning traffic or criminal offenses.
  • Policies around immobilization are important for ensuring rights while managing safety in various situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "immobilization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imobilização

🇮🇳 अचलता

🇩🇪 Immobilisierung

🇮🇩 immobilisasi

🇺🇦 іммобілізація

🇵🇱 unieruchomienie

🇯🇵 固定 (こてい)

🇫🇷 immobilisation

🇪🇸 inmovilización

🇹🇷 immobilizasyon

🇰🇷 고정 (固定)

🇸🇦 تثبيت

🇨🇿 imobilizace

🇸🇰 imobilizácia

🇨🇳 固定 (gùdìng)

🇸🇮 immobilizacija

🇮🇸 hreyfingarlaus

🇰🇿 иммобилизация

🇬🇪 უძრაობა

🇦🇿 immobilizasiya

🇲🇽 inmovilización

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,554, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.