mobilize

verb

mo·​bi·​lize ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce mobilize (audio)
mobilized; mobilizing

transitive verb

1
a
: to put into movement or circulation
mobilize financial assets
b
: to release (something stored in the organism) for bodily use
The body mobilizes its antibodies.
2
a
: to assemble and make ready for war duty
mobilize all reserve forces for overseas duty
b
: to marshal (something, such as resources) for action
mobilize support for a proposal

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization
The army can mobilize quickly for a major war.

Examples of mobilize in a Sentence

They couldn't mobilize enough support to pass the new law. Several groups have mobilized to oppose the proposed new law. They have the ability to mobilize quickly. The government had to mobilize the army quickly. More than 10,000 troops were mobilized for war.
Recent Examples on the Web We are mobilized, informed and unwavering in our resolve as these critical issues unfold. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Since the start of the war in Gaza, Taj said their teams have mobilized to try to meet the desperate need for aid. Monica Haider, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 In this case, the Alabama Supreme Court ruling mobilized Gabby and other women going through the IVF process. Spencer Goidel, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2024 Despite the lack of statistics, the community is mobilizing to fight the opioid crisis. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 In the recent election, the PML-N did little to mobilize its own base. Sarah Khan, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2024 Xi Jinping’s administration has designated research into cutting-edge fields like AI a priority for coming years, vowing to mobilize an entire nation to try and reduce a reliance on Western technology. Jane Zhang, Fortune Asia, 5 Mar. 2024 Harris visited Flagstaff as recently as October as part of a tour to mobilize young voters. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Both Biden and Baldwin highlighted the work of women in volunteering and mobilizing other voters. Journal Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mobilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mobilize was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near mobilize

Cite this Entry

“Mobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mobilize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mobilize

verb
mo·​bi·​lize ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce mobilize (audio)
mobilized; mobilizing
: to assemble and make ready for action : marshal
mobilization
ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

mobilize

verb
mo·​bi·​lize
variants also British mobilise
mobilized also British mobilised; mobilizing also British mobilising

transitive verb

1
: to put into movement or circulation : make mobile
specifically : to release (something stored in the body) for body use
the body mobilizes its antibodies
2
: to assemble (as resources) and make ready for use
the sympathetic nervous system … mobilizes the bodily resources as a means of preparing for fight or flightH. G. Armstrong
3
: to separate (an organ or part) from associated structures so as to make more accessible for operative procedures
4
: to develop to a state of acute activity
ego feeling and ego attitude … mobilize hostile feelings toward othersAbram Kardiner

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization : assemble and organize for action
mobilizable adjective
also British mobilisable

More from Merriam-Webster on mobilize

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