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Immobilization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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.

Origin of 'immobilization'

The word 'immobilization' originated from the Latin word 'immobilis', which means 'not movable'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of immobilization has been prevalent in various fields such as medicine, finance, and engineering, where restricting movement or operation is necessary for specific reasons.

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.