Verb: immobilize i'mow-bu,lIz
- Cause to be unable to move
"The sudden storm immobilized the traffic";
- immobilise [Brit]
- To hold fast or prevent from moving
"The child was immobilized under the fallen tree";
- trap, pin, immobilise [Brit]
- Make defenseless
"The tranquilizer immobilized the animal";
- immobilise [Brit]
- Convert (assets) into fixed capital
"The company immobilized its cash reserves by investing in new equipment";
- immobilise [Brit]
- Prohibit the conversion or use of (assets)
"immobilize the assets of this hostile government";
- freeze, block, immobilise [Brit]
Derived forms: immobilized, immobilizing, immobilizes
Type of: beat, beat out, convert, crush, curb, curtail, cut back, hold, keep back, restrict, shell [US], trounce, vanquish, withhold
Encyclopedia: Immobilize