immobilize
Pin in place
To immobilize is to prevent movement.
You can immobilize a broken limb with a splint, immobilize a vehicle by removing its wheels, or immobilize an opponent by pinning them down.
Fear or shock can immobilize someone figuratively: The news immobilized her for a moment.
The word often appears in medical and military contexts.
Locking wrist restraints
- shacklesMetal bonds for prisoners
- bindFasten or obligate
- tieEqual score, or neckwear
- pin downFix precisely or immobilize
hold down · constrain · detain · capture · subdue · arrest · manacles · fetter
Loss of muscle function
- spinal cord injuryDamage to backbone's neural tissue
- quadriplegiaParalysis below the neck
- paraplegiaLower body immobility
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
splint · traction · nerve damage · stroke · muscle weakness · paresis · neuropathy · sling
Become solid from cold
- petrifyFossilize or paralyze utterly
- paralyzeCause loss of movement
- stunDaze by force
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
startle · transfixed · rooted · deer in headlights · stopped cold · motionless · standstill · statue
Failure or decomposition
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- crippleSeverely impair function
- disableRemove functional capacity
jam · seize up · stall · incapacitate · neutralize · deactivate · damage · wreck
handcuffs
Locking wrist restraints
pin down · hold down · constrain · detain · capture · subdue · arrest · manacles · fetter · chain
paralysis
Loss of muscle function
- spinal cord injuryDamage to backbone's neural tissue
- quadriplegiaParalysis below the neck
- paraplegiaLower body immobility
cast · splint · traction · nerve damage · stroke · muscle weakness · paresis · neuropathy · sling · brace
freeze
Become solid from cold
shock · startle · transfixed · rooted · deer in headlights · stopped cold · motionless · standstill · statue · rigid
breakdown
Failure or decomposition
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- crippleSeverely impair function
disable · jam · seize up · stall · incapacitate · neutralize · deactivate · damage · wreck · destroy
anchor
Secures ships to seabed
bolt · brace · stabilize · fix · secure · mount · cinch · lash · moor · affix
immobilizemobilize
Organize for action
set in motion · free · release · move · propel
immobility, immobilized, immobilization, immobilizes, immobilizing, immobilizer, immobilised, immobilise, immobilises