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

Jackson had a significant mobilizing impact on Black voters nationwide.

From Salon

Angry Iranians have taken to the streets with increasing frequency over the past decade, mobilizing over allegations of election rigging in 2009, women’s rights in 2022, and, late last year, the worsening economic crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal

Individual governors and state legislatures are also scrambling to fill the void and create coalitions that can mobilize quickly in case of another public health emergency like the pandemic.

From Salon

The court convicted the 65-year-old on Thursday on charges of insurrection and conspiring with military officials to mobilize troops in December 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal

He never held a major political office, but his two runs for President, in 1984 and 1988, made his national mark and mobilized black voters and the young as part of his Rainbow Coalition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• assemble
• marshal
• organize
• prepare