Unable to move or prevented from moving; made completely still or stationary.
From French 'immobiliser,' from Latin 'im-' (not) + 'mobilis' (moveable), from 'movere' (to move). The prefix 'im-' means 'not,' so the word literally means 'made unmoveable.'
In medical emergencies, doctors intentionally immobilize injured people because movement can cause more damage—it's a perfect example of how a word that sounds restrictive is actually protective and healing.
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