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.
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 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 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

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

Commonly Misspelled Words

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
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 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?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All