stabilize

American  

[stey-buh-lahyz] / ˈsteɪ bəˌlaɪz /

especially British, stabilise

verb (used with object)

stabilized, stabilizing

1. to make or hold stable, firm, or steadfast.

2. to maintain at a given or unfluctuating level or quantity.

   The government will try to stabilize the cost of living.

3. Aeronautics. to put or keep (an aircraft) in stable equilibrium, as by some special device.

---

verb (used without object)

stabilized, stabilizing

1. to become stabilized.

stabilize British  

/ ˈsteɪbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become stable or more stable

2. to keep or be kept stable

3. to put or keep (an aircraft, vessel, etc) in equilibrium by one or more special devices, or (of an aircraft, vessel, etc) to become stable

---

Other Word Forms

• restabilize verb (used with object)
• self-stabilized adjective
• self-stabilizing adjective
• stabilization noun
• unstabilized adjective
• unstabilizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of stabilize

1860–65; stabile + -ize; compare French stabiliser

Example Sentences

The rebound in business activity is expected to stabilize the job market in the near-term, with a surge in employment growth unlikely.

From The Wall Street Journal

That would drain the nation of the talent and resources it needs to stabilize, grow and prosper.

From The Wall Street Journal

The research suggests this construction doesn’t stabilize into an “adult” pattern until the early 30s.

From Science Daily

The rupiah has hit a series of record lows against the dollar in recent months, drawing concern from policymakers who have vowed to keep intervening to stabilize the currency.

From The Wall Street Journal

Indexes had gained modestly on Tuesday, stabilizing to start a holiday-shortened week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• balance
• fix
• maintain
• preserve
• secure
• steady
• sustain