[syn: immobilize, immobilise]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Immobilize \Im*mob"i*lize\, v. t. [Pref. im- in + mobilize; cf.
f. immobiliser.]
To make immovable; in surgery, to make immovable (a naturally
mobile part, as a joint) by the use of splints, or stiffened
bandages.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
immobilize
v 1: hold as reserve or withdraw from circulation; of capital
[syn: immobilize, immobilise]
2: to hold fast or prevent from moving; "The child was pinned
under the fallen tree" [syn: trap, pin, immobilize,
immobilise]
3: make defenseless [syn: immobilize, immobilise]
4: convert (assets) into fixed capital [syn: immobilize,
immobilise]
5: prohibit the conversion or use of (assets); "Blocked funds";
"Freeze the assets of this hostile government" [syn:
freeze, block, immobilize, immobilise] [ant: free,
release, unblock, unfreeze]
6: cause to be unable to move; "The sudden storm immobilized the
traffic" [syn: immobilize, immobilise]
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:
21 Moby Thesaurus words for "immobilize":
balance, ballast, counterbalance, cripple, disable, disarm, firm,
firm up, freeze, hold, incapacitate, keep, nail down, pin down,
prostrate, retain, stabilitate, stabilize, steady, stick,
transfix