Words / C1

i-MOHB-uh-lyz/ɪˈməʊbəlaɪz/

To immobilise is to prevent a person, vehicle, or process from moving or working: immobilise a fracture, immobilise the printer. Mobile (already in the dictionary) sits opposite; freeze is informal. A foyer notice is not a lock on the badge kit after a sitting.

Meaning

To prevent someone or something from moving or working (UK spelling).

Examples

• “A jammed fire door will immobilise the escape route; styling is not a log.”
• “Immobilise the badge printer after the sitting; a foyer notice is not a lock.”
• “Disable is the machine twin. Freeze is informal. A notice is comms. A key in a sealed drawer is control. Lock the kit; pin the notice if you still want the queue to know.”

Good to know

Stop from moving or working (UK spelling). Opposite: mobile (already in the dictionary). A notice ≠ a lock.

Near in meaning

disable, paralyse

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