mobilize
MOH-bih-lyze
/ˈməʊ.bɪ.laɪz/
To organize, assemble, and prepare resources, troops, or personnel for active service or emergency action.
Implies transitioning rapidly from a passive or standing state into directed, active operations.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'mobilis', meaning easy to move. The military usage developed in the 19th century to describe putting standing armies on a war footing, later expanding to public safety emergency responses.
Word relationships
- rally: Emphasizes inspiring people to gather for a shared cause.
- muster: Often used for gathering military personnel or internal courage.
- demobilize: To discharge or disband units from active emergency duty.
- paralyze: To render completely incapable of action.
Commonly confused with
- motivate: Motivate provides psychological drive; mobilize physically organizes and activates resources.
Word family
- mobilization (noun): The act of assembling resources for emergency action.
- immobile (adjective): Incapable of movement.
Collocations
- mobilize support
- mobilize resources
- mobilize teams
- rapidly mobilize
Idioms & expressions
- call to action
Example sentences
- "The regional governor acted quickly to mobilize national guard units following the earthquake." Civil Defense
Memory hook
MOBILIZE makes assets MOBILE during emergencies. Assemble for immediate action.
When not to use
Avoid using for routine everyday movement, such as taking a casual walk.
Fun facts
- During World War I, national mobilization schedules were strictly synchronized with complex railway timetables.
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