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 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 In addition to rallies, the Poor People’s Campaign plans to train thousands of people to help mobilize low-income voters through social media and other efforts. Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 But Navalny emerged as a particular threat to the Kremlin because of his humor, energy, appeal to a young new generation of activists and capacity to mobilize a network across the country. Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Biden campaign co-chair Gov. Gretchen Whitmer − who has voiced concerns about Democrats planning to ditch Biden in the primary − has joined volunteers on phone banks ahead of Tuesday and pressed the issue to mobilize voters to back Biden. Detroit Free Press, 25 Feb. 2024 Because Trump tends to mobilize voters from both parties, Porter can also benefit, Grose said. David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2024 Tangent This is the largest crackdown carried out against Russian citizens since authorities detained at least 1,386 people protesting Putin’s efforts to mobilize more troops to support the invasion of Ukraine in September 2022. Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Putin could only envy Navalny’s ability to mobilize Russians. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 17 Feb. 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 19 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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