immovability

Immovability is the quality or condition of being unable to move or of being fixed in place. The term can describe physical states, structural constraints, or abstract concepts in which movement is prevented or not possible under given conditions. The word derives from Latin roots meaning not moving.

In physics, true immovability does not occur for freely acting bodies, since motion is governed by forces. Practically, immobility is achieved by external restraints such as supports, joints, pins, or friction, or by attaching an object to a fixed structure, which prevents movement.

In legal contexts, immovability is a technical term used to distinguish real property from movable property. Immovable property, such as land and buildings, is fixed in location and typically not portable. Jurisdiction-specific rules govern the transfer of ownership, taxation, insurance, and registration for immovable property, often using different procedures from those for movable goods.

In medicine and daily life, immobility refers to a state in which a person cannot move freely, due to injury, illness, or immobilizing devices. Prolonged immobility can lead to complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and pressure ulcers, necessitating preventive care and rehabilitation.

Figuratively, immovability can describe steadfastness or unyielding adherence to a principle or position, even in the face of change or opposition. Used in this sense, it conveys a mental or moral firmness rather than a physical constraint.