mobilize
MOH-bi-lyz
/ˈmoʊbɪlaɪz/
to prepare and organize (troops) for active service; to bring (resources or people) together for a particular purpose.
Refers to the act of putting a military force or resources into readiness for war or active duty, often involving a large-scale coordinated effort.
The story behind the word. The word 'mobilize' comes from the French 'mobiliser,' which itself is derived from the Latin 'mobilis,' meaning 'movable.' The idea is to make something, like an army or resources, 'movable' and ready for action. It entered English in the 19th century, specifically referring to preparing troops for war.
Word relationships
- deploy: To move troops or equipment into position for military action.
- muster: To assemble (troops), especially for inspection or battle.
- rally: To bring together for a common purpose, often with a sense of renewed effort.
- demobilize: To disband (troops) or release from military service.
- disperse: To scatter or spread widely.
Commonly confused with
- deploy: 'Mobilize' is the broader act of preparing and organizing for action, while 'deploy' is the specific act of moving forces into position for action.
Word family
- mobilization (noun): the act of assembling and making ready for war or service.
- mobile (adjective): able to move or be moved freely or easily.
Collocations
- mobilize troops
- mobilize resources
- mobilize support
- general mobilization
Example sentences
- "As tensions escalated, the government began to mobilize its armed forces along the border." Military preparation
- "Local activists quickly mobilized public support for the environmental protection bill." Community action
- "The nation had to mobilize all its industrial capacity to meet the demands of wartime production." Economic resources
Memory hook
To 'mobilize' is to make forces 'mobile' and ready to move. Mobilize = MAKE MOBILE
When not to use
While 'mobilize' can be used for any large-scale organization of resources, its primary military context implies preparation for conflict. Do not use it for small, informal gatherings.
Fun facts
- The term 'general mobilization' refers to the complete preparation of a nation's military and civilian resources for war, as seen at the start of World War I.
Related words
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