stabilize
STAY-buh-lyz
Stabilize (verb) means to make something steady or stop it from changing or getting worse. Example: “Doctors managed to stabilize the patient overnight.”
verb
1
To make something steady or stop it from changing or getting worse.
"Doctors managed to stabilize the patient overnight."
"The central bank acted to stabilize the currency."
2
To become steady or stop changing.
"Prices finally stabilized after months of volatility."
How to use stabilize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something steady, or for something to settle down and stop fluctuating.
UK vs US
Spelled "stabilise" in British English, "stabilize" in American English.
Common pairings
stabilize the patient
stabilize prices
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- stabilizes
- Past tense
- stabilized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Doctors managed to _____ the patient overnight.
Etymology
From stable + the verb-forming suffix -ize.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stabilize
See all rhymes for stabilize →Frequently asked questions
What does “stabilize” mean?
The word “stabilize” means to make something steady or stop it from changing or getting worse. In plain terms, to make something steady, or for something to settle down and stop fluctuating.
How do you pronounce “stabilize”?
“Stabilize” is pronounced STAY-buh-lyz (/ˈsteɪ.bəˌlaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “stabilize” in a sentence?
Here is “stabilize” used in a sentence: “Doctors managed to stabilize the patient overnight.”
What part of speech is “stabilize”?
“Stabilize” is a verb.
Is “stabilize” a common word?
“Stabilize” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “stabilize” have?
“Stabilize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something steady or stop it from changing or getting worse.
