WordGarden.ioimmobile
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈəʊbaɪl/
US
- /ˌɪˈmoʊˌbaɪl/
Meanings
Adjective
not moving or unable to be moved
not changing, adapting, or developing
Beyond the definition
Imagine a mountain standing in one place for ages, or a statue fixed on its base. "Immobile" describes something that cannot move or cannot be moved. It is stronger than simply saying "still" or "not moving." It suggests that movement is not possible, at least for the moment. A person with a serious injury may be immobile in bed, and a car with a dead engine may sit immobile on the road. The word can also describe someone who will not change their views, though this use is less common.
The word "immobile" describes something that is unable to move or be moved. It goes beyond simply not moving; it suggests that movement is impossible, blocked, or absent by nature. Think of a heavy statue fixed to the ground, or a person who cannot get up after a serious injury.
"Immobile" often refers to physical objects: "The car remained immobile after the accident." But it also applies to living beings: "The doctor feared the injury would leave him permanently immobile." In these cases, the word points to a real inability to move, not just a choice to stay still.
It can also be used in a more figurative way for ideas, systems, or attitudes that do not change. For example, a person may seem immobile in their views if they refuse to consider anything new. This use is less literal, but it keeps the same sense of being fixed and hard to shift.
Historically, "immobile" comes from the Latin immobilis, meaning "not movable." This root emphasizes the inherent inability to move, rather than just a temporary state of stillness.
So, whether it describes a stuck vehicle, an injured person, or a stubborn point of view, "immobile" suggests a complete lack of movement or a strong resistance to change.
Examples
- 1
Injury
After the fall, he lay immobile on the ground until help arrived.
- 2
Animal behavior
The rabbit stayed immobile in the grass, waiting for the dog to pass.
- 3
Medical scan
During the scan, you need to remain immobile for a few minutes.
- Phraseremain immobile
stay completely still
- 4
Facial expression
Her face stayed immobile as she listened to the verdict.
- Phrasean immobile face
a face that shows no emotion
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- remain immobile
- lie immobile
- rendered immobile
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- immobileadjective