mobilize

American  

[moh-buh-lahyz] / ˈmoʊ bəˌlaɪz /

especially British, mobilise

verb (used with object)

mobilized, mobilizing

1. to assemble or marshal (armed forces, military reserves, or civilian persons of military age) into readiness for active service.

2. to organize or adapt (industries, transportation facilities, etc.) for service to the government in time of war.

3. to marshal, bring together, prepare (power, force, wealth, etc.) for action, especially of a vigorous nature.

   to mobilize one's energy.

4. to increase or bring to a full stage of development.

   to mobilize one's anger.

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verb (used without object)

mobilized, mobilizing

1. to be or become assembled, organized, etc., as for war.

   to mobilize for action.

mobilize British  

/ ˈməʊbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to prepare for war or other emergency by organizing (national resources, the armed services, etc)

2. (tr) to organize for a purpose; marshal

3. (tr) to put into motion, circulation, or use

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Other Word Forms

• mobilizable adjective
• mobilization noun
• mobilizer noun
• overmobilize verb
• remobilize verb
• unmobilized adjective

Etymology

Origin of mobilize

First recorded in 1830–40; back formation from mobilization; mobile, -ization

Example Sentences

Yet Beijing chose to activate mechanisms that mobilize public opinion—indirectly shaping the behavior of businesses and consumers—and afford the government plausible deniability.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Civil War mobilized unprecedented production, shifting the North toward full industrialization.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2019, he became a UN envoy focused on mobilizing public and private finance to help achieve the goals of the Paris Accords.

From Barron's

In the days since, relief groups have mobilized across Hong Kong — and unexpectedly, so have fans and artists in the K-pop community.

From Salon

“In the face of this massive catastrophe, the government will be mobilizing every resource,” Lee said after visiting the injured at a local hospital.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• assemble
• marshal
• organize
• prepare