stabilize

1 of 2

verb

sta·​bi·​lize ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 

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

ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

stabilization

2 of 2

noun

sta·​bi·​li·​za·​tion ˌstābələ̇ˈzāshən 

-bəˌlīˈ- sometimes ˌstab-

plural -s

1

: the act or process of stabilizing : the state of being stabilized

2

a

: the limitation (as by regulation) of fluctuations of business activity, prices, or employment

b

: the pegging of security prices usually by an underwriting syndicate

c

: the keeping of the foreign exchange quotation of a currency within a narrow range either by making it convertible or by central bank or stabilization fund action

3

: the state of maximum adjustment between organisms and environment that is characteristic of an ecological climax community

Examples of stabilize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Jacob Latz has stabilized the Rangers’ bullpen, but his supporting cast needs an upgrade. — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 2 July 2026

The drop appears to have stabilized, studies show, and some believe young people exploring faith beliefs are one reason why. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Oats Oats are an excellent source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that may help stabilize blood sugar. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026

Her treatment required the amputation of one arm, and the family said more surgeries were scheduled as doctors worked to save her life and stabilize her condition. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for stabilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

stabilize

verb

sta·​bi·​lize ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 

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 

noun

Medical Definition

stabilize

verb

sta·​bi·​lize

variants also British stabilise

ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 

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