stabilize

[ stey-buh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, sta·bi·lized, sta·bi·liz·ing.

1. to make or hold stable, firm, or steadfast.
2. to maintain at a given or unfluctuating level or quantity:

   The government will try to stabilize the cost of living.

3. Aeronautics. to put or keep (an aircraft) in stable equilibrium, as by some special device.

verb (used without object)

, sta·bi·lized, sta·bi·liz·ing.

1. to become stabilized.

stabilize

/ ˈsteɪbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become stable or more stable
2. to keep or be kept stable
3. to put or keep (an aircraft, vessel, etc) in equilibrium by one or more special devices, or (of an aircraft, vessel, etc) to become stable

Derived Forms

• ˌstabiliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• re·stabi·lize verb (used with object) restabilized restabilizing
• self-stabi·lized adjective
• self-stabi·lizing adjective
• un·stabi·lized adjective
• un·stabi·lizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stabilize¹

1860–65; stabile + -ize; compare French stabiliser

Example Sentences

The slight drop is partially accredited to the community distribution of naloxone, a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioids and stabilize breathing.

From Los Angeles Times

Natural sinks play a vital role to moderate the impact of current emissions and draw down atmospheric CO2 concentrations after the date of net zero, stabilizing global temperatures.

From Science Daily

In Mexico, Mark could buy Prozac over-the-counter, and this antidepressant medication had helped him in the past to stabilize his depression.

From Salon

“The board saw us dropping in the rankings and said, We’ve got to stabilize the ship,” said Danaya Wright, a law professor who served until May as the faculty representative on the board.

From New York Times

Ribosomes are dependent upon magnesium ions since this metal cation helps stabilize their structure and function.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• balance
• fix
• maintain
• preserve
• secure
• steady
• sustain