What is immobilize? Pronunciation and usage in English

immobilize means . Learn how to pronounce and use immobilize through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of immobilize

immobilizeverb

/ɪˈməʊbəlaɪz//ɪˈməʊbəlaɪz/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "immobilize." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic approximations and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (closest to how a native speaker would say it):

  • im-mo-MIL-ee-zye

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. im-: Pronounced like the "im" in "import." (uhm)
  2. mo-: Pronounced like "mo" in "moment." (moe)
  3. MIL-: This is the key part! It’s pronounced like “mill” but with a slightly more open "i" sound – like you're saying "mill" as if you were calling someone’s name. (mill)
  4. ee-: Like the "ee" in "see." (ee)
  5. zye: This is the trickiest part. It’s a combination of “z” and “ye.”
    • The "z" sound is like the "z" in "zebra." (z)
    • The “ye” sound is similar to the “yes.” It's a short, quick “ee” sound. (y) Imagine you’re saying "yes" really quickly.

Putting it all together:

Say it slowly at first: "uhm-moe-mill-ee-zay" Then, gradually speed up, trying to blend the sounds together.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don't stress the "i" in "mill": It’s not a long “i” like in “million.” It’s a shorter, more clipped sound.
  • The ‘zye’ is a single sound: It's not “z-yay” or “zee-ay.” It’s a combined sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence using the word to practice?

Usage and examples with the word immobilize in English

Let's break down how to use the word "immobilize" in English. It's a powerful word that essentially means to make something unable to move or function.

1. Core Meaning:

  • To make something unable to move or function. This is the fundamental definition. It can apply to physical objects, animals, and even abstract concepts.

2. Common Usages & Examples:

  • Physical Objects:

    • "The police used a tire iron to immobilize the getaway car." (Making the car unable to drive)
    • "The sandbags were piled high to immobilize the building during the flood." (Preventing movement due to water)
    • “The mechanic had to immobilize the engine to diagnose the problem.” (Preventing the engine from running)

  • Animals:

    • "The tranquilizer dart immobilized the wild elephant." (Making it unable to move due to sedation)
    • "The sheepdog was trained to immobilize any stray cattle." (Holding/restraining cattle)

  • People (Typically Medical or Law Enforcement):

    • “The doctor used a splint to immobilize her wrist after the fracture.” (Preventing movement to heal)
    • “The police officer used a taser to immobilize the suspect.” (Temporarily disabling movement for safety) - Note: This usage can be sensitive.
    • “The anesthetic immobilized his muscles during the surgery.” (Making them unable to move during the procedure)

  • Abstract Concepts (Less Common, but Possible):

    • "The overwhelming evidence immobilized his defense." (Made it impossible for his defense to proceed effectively).
    • "The strict regulations immobilized the company's growth." (Made it difficult or impossible for the company to grow.)

3. Key Phrases & Structures:

  • "To immobilize [something] with [something]" – This is a very common structure. Example: "He immobilized the car with ropes."
  • "Immobilize [something] by [doing something]" - Example: "They immobilized the drilling equipment by cutting the power supply."
  • "Immobilize [someone/something] temporarily/permanently" - Adds detail to the duration of the effect.

4. Synonyms:

  • Restrain
  • Secure
  • Halt
  • Stop
  • Prevent from moving
  • Disable

5. Important Considerations:

  • Context is crucial: The specific meaning will depend on the situation.
  • Potentially Sensitive: The use of “immobilize” when referring to people (especially with tools like tasers or restraints) can be considered controversial and should be used carefully and with appropriate context.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "immobilize"? (e.g., medicine, law enforcement, engineering, writing a story, etc.)

Synonyms for the word immobilize

Practice with vocabulary immobilize

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The specialized medical device was designed to ____________ the fractured bone, allowing it to heal without further stress.
  2. Regulations were put in place to ____________ access to the sensitive data, ensuring only authorized personnel could view it.
  3. A sudden system failure threatened to ____________ the entire logistics operation, halting all shipments.
  4. Engineers worked quickly to ____________ the structure after the earthquake, preventing further collapse.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which action would most likely occur if a severe storm causes widespread power outages and road closures? a) Mobilize emergency services. b) Immobilize daily commute routes. c) Revitalize local businesses. d) Demobilize construction crews.

  2. Which of the following actions or situations are likely to cause a complete halt to movement or activity? (Select all that apply) a) A major road closure due to an accident. b) A decision by authorities to ____________ frozen assets. c) A sudden surge in demand for public transport. d) A mechanical failure that renders a vehicle unmovable. e) The strategic decision to paralyze an enemy's supply lines.

  3. In a medical context, when might a limb be deliberately made unable to move? (Select all that apply) a) When applying a splint to ____________ a fracture. b) During physical therapy to increase range of motion. c) After surgery to prevent further injury and allow healing. d) When a doctor prescribes bed rest to restrict patient activity. e) When a cast is used to keep an arm or leg fixed in position.

  4. The new security measures were designed to ____________ unauthorized access to the server room. a) facilitate b) encourage c) prevent d) authorize

  5. Due to the contagious nature of the virus, patients were advised to ____________ themselves to their homes. a) free b) liberate c) expand d) confine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The severe blizzard brought all transportation in the region to a complete standstill. (Use a form of "immobilize")
  2. To allow the injured joint to heal properly, it was essential to keep it completely still. (Use a form of "immobilize")
  3. Due to a technical fault, the satellite dish was unable to rotate and track its target. (Use a suitable replacement word, not "immobilize")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. immobilize
  2. restrict
  3. immobilize
  4. stabilize

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Immobilize daily commute routes.
  2. a) A major road closure due to an accident. b) A decision by authorities to immobilize frozen assets. d) A mechanical failure that renders a vehicle unmovable. e) The strategic decision to paralyze an enemy's supply lines.
  3. a) When applying a splint to immobilize a fracture. c) After surgery to prevent further injury and allow healing. e) When a cast is used to keep an arm or leg fixed in position.
  4. c) prevent
  5. d) confine

Exercise 3:

  1. The severe blizzard immobilized all transportation in the region.
  2. To allow the injured joint to heal properly, it was essential to keep it immobilized.
  3. Due to a technical fault, the satellite dish was stuck, preventing it from tracking its target.

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