What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
immobilize
Example
The police used handcuffs to immobilize the suspect. [immobilize: verb]
Example
The broken leg immobilized him for several weeks. [immobilized: past participle]
disable
Example
The virus disabled the computer's operating system. [disabled: past tense]
Example
The accident disabled him from walking without assistance. [disable: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disable is more commonly used than immobilize in everyday language, especially in technology or accessibility contexts. Immobilize is more commonly used in medical or emergency situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between immobilize and disable?
Both immobilize and disable are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts. However, disable may also be used in informal contexts to describe impairments or limitations.
