stabilize

verb

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

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 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 Biden administration officials have fiercely disputed those characterizations, saying that while early parts of the evacuation were difficult, the U.S. government eventually stabilized security well enough to airlift 124,000 people from harm’s way. Leigh Ann Caldwell, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 While prices aren’t coming down, inflation is stabilizing, meaning buyers shouldn’t expect to see drastic price hikes. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2024 The best postpartum belly wraps provide 360-degree support to help the abdominal wall recover, stabilize your core, back, and ligaments, and assist with correct posture, which is a big bonus when breastfeeding or bottle feeding a baby. Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 The report calls for more spending on global public goods that benefit all people, including to stabilize climate and the planet, to harness new technologies to improve human development, and to improve the global financial system to benefit low-income countries. Edith M. Lederer, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 The same applies for lower-body moves, like leg circles or the single-leg glute bridge, which work your smaller, stabilizing butt muscles—the ones lots of people tend to neglect. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 14 Mar. 2024 Coming back from the brink Current population estimates suggest that the numbers of North Atlantic right whales could be stabilizing, meaning that the number of deaths is approximately equal to the number being born. Joshua Reed, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2024 Reinecke said the job opportunities provided through the Lift program will help her family stabilize – and end her trips to the Freestore market for food. The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 But as Lynch said two weeks ago, the 49ers’ starting role is stabilized so well that the backup role is not as critical to fill as a year ago. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stabilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near stabilize

Cite this Entry

“Stabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stabilize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 noun

Medical Definition

stabilize

verb
sta·​bi·​lize
variants also British stabilise
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 stabilizeJournal of the American Medical Association
stabilization noun
also British stabilisation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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