immobilize
UK: ɪˈməʊbɪlaɪz | US: ɪˈmoʊbəlaɪz
vt. to prevent something or someone from moving
vt. to render an asset non-liquid or unusable
vt. (medical) to restrict movement of a body part for healing
immobilize = im<not> + mobil<move> + ize<verb suffix>
- im (prefix): from Latin "in-" meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- mobil (root): from Latin "mobilis," meaning "movable" or "flexible."
- ize (suffix): a verb-forming suffix from Greek "-izein," indicating "to make" or "to render."
Etymology Origin:
The word "immobilize" combines Latin and Greek elements through French influence. The prefix "im-" negates the root "mobil," derived from "mobilis" (movable), while "-ize" converts it into an action verb. Originally used in physical contexts (e.g., restraining movement), its meaning expanded to financial and medical domains (e.g., freezing assets or casting limbs).
The doctor decided to immobilize the patient's broken leg with a cast.
The protest aimed to immobilize traffic in the city center.
The government can immobilize funds suspected of illegal activity.
Fear can immobilize a person during emergencies.
The new software bug may immobilize critical systems if not fixed.