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 population should have begun to stabilize, except there was a new form of growth: immigration.

From Salon

Activists expect the Trump administration to revoke a Biden directive that requires emergency rooms to provide abortions when necessary to stabilize a woman’s health, even in states with abortion bans.

From Los Angeles Times

City Council is close to approving $40 million to stabilize 1,500 formerly homeless tenants.

From Los Angeles Times

“They’re dealing with loss. They’re dealing with trauma. They’re dealing with broken connections with previous relationships and with family. It’s not enough to just give them the means to stabilize,” Wong said.

From Los Angeles Times

She began to stabilize, she said, with medication and care.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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