mobilize

[ moh-buh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, mo·bi·lized, mo·bi·liz·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, mo·bi·lized, mo·bi·liz·ing.

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

   to mobilize for action.

mobilize

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈmobiˌlizable, adjective
• ˌmobiliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mo·bi·liz·a·ble adjective
• mo·bi·li·za·tion [moh-b, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• mo·bi·liz·er noun
• o·ver·mo·bi·lize verb overmobilized overmobilizing
• re·mo·bi·lize verb remobilized remobilizing
• un·mo·bi·lized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mobilize¹

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

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, a Catholic group opposing his candidacy announced plans to mobilize voters against him.

From Washington Post

In theory, BCAAs help that repair process happen more efficiently by quickly mobilizing your body’s muscle-construction team.

From Popular-Science

Navalny, moreover, has mobilized social media against Putin more effectively than any other opposition figure — and the regime has been unable to silence him by previous intimidations that have included physical attacks and jailings.

From Ozy

Research on social movements has long focused on the ways that media mobilizes people to take direct action.

From MIT Technology Review

In fact it was for a few hours, but it was very clearly done in order to prevent people from a particular part of Delhi, East Delhi, which has a majority Muslim population, from knowing what right it’s happening and from mobilizing.

From MIT Technology Review

What is driving young groups of men to mobilize against women?

From The Daily Beast

For every "potential Ebola victim" that arises in the U.S., the CDC is forced to mobilize to the location.

From The Daily Beast

While the world has begun to mobilize in the fight against the virus, many fear the effort is coming too late.

From The Daily Beast

The questions that stay open will be the ones that people mobilize to keep open.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, we must mobilize allies and partners to take collective action.

From The Daily Beast

As the French, too, had excellent railroad systems, they also would mobilize rapidly.

From Project Gutenberg

It saved France, gave Great Britain time to raise her volunteer armies, mobilize her industries.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm going to mobilize all of our soldiers, but I don't want any fuss, or we shall spoil Jim's party.

From Project Gutenberg

About a fortnight later the Allies agreed to furnish these troops, and the Greek army began to mobilize.

From Project Gutenberg

We must be ready to mobilize our resources alike of brains and of materials.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assemble
• marshal
• organize
• prepare