stabilize

verb

sta·​bi·​lize ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce stabilize (audio)
stabilized; stabilizing
Synonyms of stabilizenext

transitive verb

1
: to make stable, steadfast, or firm
2
: to hold steady: such as
a
: to maintain the stability of (something, such as an airplane) by means of a stabilizer
b
: to limit fluctuations of
stabilize prices
c
: to establish a minimum price for

intransitive verb

: to become stable, firm, or steadfast
stabilization
ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce stabilize (audio)
noun

Examples of stabilize in a Sentence

The country's population has stabilized at 3.2 million. The government's efforts to stabilize prices have not succeeded. Even the administration's most vocal critics agree that the President has succeeded in stabilizing the economy. We'll use ropes to stabilize the platform. a process that stabilizes the vaccine drugs that stabilize a patient's heartbeat The pilots were able to stabilize the airplane and land safely.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once secured, the combined spacecraft must be stabilized before any orbital change. — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Washington views its commercial presence in Iraq as a national security interest, aiming to stabilize the country and gain influence. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 That's key to stabilizing the carrier, which lost money in five of the past six years. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 By smoothing out these variations, the site helps stabilize the broader Electric Reliability Council of Texas network. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stabilize

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stabilize was in 1861

Rhymes for stabilize

See All Rhymes for stabilize

Browse Nearby Words

stabilization fund
stabilize
stabilizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stabilize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stabilize

verb
sta·​bi·​lize ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce stabilize (audio)
stabilized; stabilizing
1
: to make or become stable, fixed, or firm
2
: to hold steady (as by means of a stabilizer)
stabilization
ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce stabilize (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

stabilize

verb
sta·​bi·​lize
variants also British stabilise
ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce stabilize (audio)
stabilized also British stabilised; stabilizing also British stabilising

transitive verb

: to make stable
stabilize a patient's condition

intransitive verb

: to become stable
when pulse and blood pressure respond and stabilize—The Journal of the American Medical Association
stabilization noun
also British stabilisation
ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce stabilize (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on stabilize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stabilize

Nglish: Translation of stabilize for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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