immobilizer

IPA/ɪˈməʊbəlaɪzə(r)/
IPA/ɪˈməʊbəlaɪzər/

immobilizer — noun

  • immobilizersingular
  • immobilizersplural

1. an electronic vehicle security system that keeps the engine from starting unless

1.nounC1
Definition

an electronic vehicle security system that keeps the engine from starting unless the right key or code is used

Example

After two thefts, Sana had an immobilizer installed in her van.

have an immobilizer installed in a vehicle

The old car would not start because the immobilizer blocked the engine.

shows the system preventing the engine from starting

Common collocations
  • factory immobilizer
  • aftermarket immobilizer
  • install an immobilizer
  • disable the immobilizer
  • replace the immobilizer
Synonyms
  • anti-theft system

    broader term that can also include alarms, trackers, and other protections

  • security device

    general term for protective equipment, not only for cars

  • kill switch

    usually refers to a specific switch that cuts power, rather than the whole built-in system

Grammar Patterns

install an immobilizer in [vehicle]

immobilizer + prevents + engine from starting

Usage Note

Usually refers to the built-in system that stops a vehicle from starting, not a visible lock on the wheel or door. In everyday use it often appears with install, disable, bypass, or replace.

Common Mistakes

The alarm stopped the stolen car from starting.
The immobilizer stopped the stolen car from starting.
an alarm warns people with sound, but an immobilizer prevents the engine from running.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Immobilizer, anti-theft system, alarm, steering lock, and kill switch are related, but they are not used in exactly the same way. Anti-theft system is the broadest term and can include alarms, tracking tools, and engine controls together. Alarm usually focuses on making a loud warning sound when someone breaks in, while an immobilizer focuses on stopping the car from starting or moving. A steering lock is a physical lock placed on the wheel, so it is visible and removable in a way an immobilizer often is not. Kill switch is closer in meaning, but it usually names one switch that cuts power rather than the full security system inside the vehicle.

anti-theft systemalarm ↗steering lockkill switch

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • install an immobilizer
  • disable the immobilizer
  • bypass the immobilizer

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Immobilizer is a modern English noun formed from immobilize, meaning 'make unable to move', plus the ending -er for a thing that performs an action. In car use, it names the security system that keeps the vehicle from starting or moving normally.