immobilize
UK[ɪˈməʊbəlaɪz]US[ɪˈmoʊbəlaɪz]
v
to make something unable to move or operate normally.
v
to prevent someone or something from moving, especially in order to stop them from escaping or being a danger.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
mobil
ize
im
not
mobil
movable
ize
verb suffix
Etymology
the word "immobilize" is a modern english formation built from classical components. its core, "mobil", descends from the latin adjective 'mobilis', meaning "movable", which itself is derived from the verb 'movere', "to move". the negative prefix "im", a variant of "in-" used before 'm', is added to convey the sense of "not". the suffix "ize", of greek origin, is a productive english verb-forming element meaning "to make or render". therefore, the literal construction is "to make not movable". this logical assembly from latin and greek elements directly explains its modern meaning: to render something incapable of movement or action.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + mobil (movable) + ize (verb suffix)
im: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of".
mobil: latin origin, from 'mobilis' meaning "movable, easy to move".
ize: greek origin via latin and french, a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make, to render, to become".
Examples
the doctor used a cast to immobilize the broken arm.
the police moved quickly to immobilize the suspect's vehicle.
a sudden snowstorm can immobilize an entire city.