Mobilize

Definition

Mobilize generally refers to making something movable or ready and organized for action.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊbəˌlaɪz/
• Respelling: MOH-buh-lyze (with "MOH" as in "motel," "buh" as in "butter," and "lyze" as in "analyze")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈməʊbɪˌlaɪz/
• Respelling: MOH-bih-lyze (with "MOH" as in "motel," "bih" as in "bit," and "lyze" as in "analyze")

In both dialects, "mobilize" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MOH." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, with a slight difference in the vowel sound of the second syllable: "MOH-buh-lyze" in American English and "MOH-bih-lyze" in British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "mobilis", meaning "movable", mobilize was adapted into English in the late 18th century with the addition of the suffix "-ize", indicating the transformation into an action.

Derivatives

• Mobilization
• Mobilizer
• Mobilizable
• Remobilize
• Demobilize

Synonyms

• Activate
• Rally
• Assemble

Antonyms

• Demobilize
• Deactivate
• Disband

Usage

"Mobilize" can indicate the action of making something ready for movement or preparing forces, often military, for action.

• The government decided to mobilize the troops due to the impending threat.
• The community mobilized to help the victims of the flood.
• With the new software, the company aims to mobilize its workforce.

Related Terms

• Movement
• Activation
• Deployment
• Rally
• Assembly

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Prepare and Organize (For Action): To prepare and organize (troops) for active service or to bring (forces or resources) into readiness for war or other national emergency.‍
• Example: The president gave the order to mobilize the army.

• Make Mobile or Capable of Movement: To make (something) movable or capable of movement.‍
• Example: The new app will mobilize our database, allowing access from mobile devices.

• Assemble and Make Ready (For Action): To assemble, prepare, or put into operation, as for war or a similar emergency.‍
• Example: The town mobilized volunteers to assist after the hurricane.