mobilize

verb

mo·​bi·​lize ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 

mobilized; mobilizing

transitive verb

1

a

: to put into movement or circulation

mobilize financial assets

b

: to release (something stored in the organism) for bodily use

The body mobilizes its antibodies.

2

a

: to assemble and make ready for war duty

mobilize all reserve forces for overseas duty

b

: to marshal (something, such as resources) for action

mobilize support for a proposal

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization

The army can mobilize quickly for a major war.

Synonyms

• marshal
• marshall
• muster
• rally

Examples of mobilize in a Sentence

They couldn't mobilize enough support to pass the new law.

Several groups have mobilized to oppose the proposed new law.

They have the ability to mobilize quickly.

The government had to mobilize the army quickly.

More than 10,000 troops were mobilized for war.

Recent Examples on the Web

To ensure the voices of all voters are heard in this election, our union committed $200 million to mobilize working-class voters of all races, men and women alike. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

By mobilizing financing, the fund helps low- and middle-income countries strengthen critical capacities such as disease surveillance and early detection, laboratories for rapid testing, and health emergency workforce that are essential to stop outbreaks from spreading. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024

Sudarshan has been canvassing around campus with Nextgen America, a nonpartisan organization that aims to mobilize young voters. —Sarah Moore and Sophia Jundy, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024

The big picture: The Harris campaign quickly mobilized to capitalize on the fallout from Hinchcliffe's remarks. —Ivana Saric, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

mobilize

verb

mo·​bi·​lize ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 

mobilized; mobilizing

: to assemble and make ready for action : marshal

mobilization

ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

mobilize

verb

mo·​bi·​lize

variants also British mobilise

ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 

mobilized also British mobilised; mobilizing also British mobilising

transitive verb

1

: to put into movement or circulation : make mobile

specifically : to release (something stored in the body) for body use

the body mobilizes its antibodies

2

: to assemble (as resources) and make ready for use

the sympathetic nervous system … mobilizes the bodily resources as a means of preparing for fight or flight

—H. G. Armstrong

3

: to separate (an organ or part) from associated structures so as to make more accessible for operative procedures

4

: to develop to a state of acute activity

ego feeling and ego attitude … mobilize hostile feelings toward others

—Abram Kardiner

intransitive verb

: to undergo mobilization : assemble and organize for action

mobilizable adjective

also British mobilisable

ˈmō-bə-ˌlī-zə-bəl