be immobilized
[/bi ɪˈmoʊbəlaɪzd/]
verb phrase
estar imobilizado
1. to be made unable to move or be held in a fixed position
The patient was immobilized after the accident to prevent further injury.
O paciente foi imobilizado após o acidente para evitar maiores lesões.
2. to be prevented from taking action or making progress
The company was immobilized by bureaucratic red tape.
A empresa foi imobilizada pela burocracia.
3. to be rendered unable to function or operate
The vehicle was immobilized due to mechanical failure.
O veículo foi imobilizado devido a falha mecânica.
In medical contexts in both Brazil and the USA, this phrase is commonly used when discussing injury treatment and recovery. In business and political discourse, it often implies bureaucratic obstacles or gridlock preventing progress.
NYC Slang
be stuck/frozen in place; be locked down
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