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Immobilize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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immobilize

[ɪˈməʊbɪlaɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To prevent something from moving or operating as usual, especially in a medical context.

Synonyms

disable, paralyze, restrict.

Examples of usage

  • He was immobilized by a severe back injury.
  • The medication will help to immobilize the patient during surgery.
Context #2 | Verb

law enforcement

To prevent someone from moving or acting, typically by using restraints or force.

Synonyms

detain, restrain, subdue.

Examples of usage

  • The police were able to immobilize the suspect before he could escape.
  • The security guard immobilized the intruder with a taser.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medical Applications

  • In medicine, immobilizing a fractured bone helps it heal properly by preventing movement.
  • Sports injuries often require immobilization to reduce pain and speed up recovery.
  • Various devices, like braces and casts, are commonly used to immobilize injuries.

Psychology

  • When facing overwhelming stress, people sometimes feel 'emotionally immobilized', unable to act.
  • This term is used in therapy to describe a state where an individual feels paralyzed by fear or anxiety.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy often aims to help individuals overcome feelings of immobilization.

Military Usage

  • Tactics in warfare may involve immobilizing enemy forces to restrict their movement and effectiveness.
  • Physical barriers or technology are often used to achieve immobilization of targets during conflicts.
  • Certain strategies aim to immobilize supply chains to weaken the opponent's operational capabilities.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often go through 'immobilization' in scenes where they're frozen in fear or held captive.
  • Video games frequently use immobilization mechanics, where characters can be 'stunned' or unable to act.
  • The concept of immobilization appears in superhero stories where characters may be restrained by villains.

Origin of 'immobilize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'immobilis', meaning 'not able to move'.
  • It combines 'in-' (not) and 'mobilis' (movable), directly reflecting its meaning.
  • First known usage can be traced back to the early 20th century in medical contexts.

The word 'immobilize' originated from the Latin word 'immobilis', which is a combination of the prefix 'im-' (meaning 'not') and 'mobilis' (meaning 'movable'). The concept of immobilizing something or someone has been prevalent throughout history, whether in medical practices, law enforcement, or other contexts where restriction of movement is necessary.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,731, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.