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.
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.
Private market giants have struggled to start the year amid market uncertainty, but now appear poised to stabilize after a significant downturn. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 However, a gradual shift was witnessed after the middle of last year as the regulations stabilized, allowing F1 teams to improve their title challengers. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 While the situation on the ground has stabilized, visitors have largely stayed away since. — Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025 The victim suffered a laceration to his neck and was taken to an area hospital where he was stabilized. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025 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 1 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All