Immobilize

To immobilize means to prevent someone or something from moving or functioning effectively. This can involve physical restraints, such as casts or ropes, or actions that render a situation or process stagnant. The purpose is typically to secure, stabilize, or halt movement, growth, or activity. It can also involve the cessation of action in a figurative sense, as when fear or shock causes someone to become immobilized. The extent and method of immobilization depend heavily on the context, ranging from a simple restraint to a complex system designed to completely halt an action.

Immobilize meaning with examples

• After the accident, paramedics quickly immobilized the injured driver with a neck brace and backboard to prevent further spinal damage. They carefully secured his limbs to keep him from further movement and potential injury, ensuring a safe transport to the hospital.
• A security guard placed a metal boot around the tire of the illegally parked car to immobilize it, ensuring it could not be driven away until the fine was paid. This tactic served as a direct method to enforce parking regulations and discourage violations, helping to manage the flow of traffic.
• The new software update was designed to temporarily immobilize all outdated antivirus programs on the system to reduce the risk of malware attacks while the updates were being installed. The action protected sensitive data by mitigating the vulnerabilities of unsupported security software.
• The severe winter storm immobilized many cities with heavy snowfall, shutting down roads and halting public transportation. Residents found it difficult to leave their homes, making it impossible to engage in their regular routines or participate in community gatherings.
• A skilled strategist's plan was designed to immobilize the opposing army's supply lines by cutting off critical resource shipments, making it impossible for their troops to operate at full strength and preventing their advancement.
• During the surgery, the surgeon immobilized the patient with medication so the procedure could be performed safely and effectively. The patient couldn't move and the surgeon had a clear field of view to operate on their body.