stabilize
Other forms: stabilized; stabilizing; stabilizes
The verb stabilize means to hold steady or make firm. When you climb a ladder, you should stabilize the ladder before you get on it, otherwise you may get a lesson in the laws of gravity — you know, what goes up comes down!
The verb stabilize also means to keep from changing or shifting. If you have a fever and your temperature is all over the place, you can help stabilize it by taking aspirin. The verb stabilize was originally applied to ships and the idea that something like weight or the shape of the ship could be used to produce a steadier, or less wobbly, voyage. Now the verb applies to anything that can be made more steady or stable. You might remember how happy you were when learning to ride a bike that you had training wheels to stabilize you.
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support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
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make stable and keep from fluctuating or put into an equilibrium“The drug stabilized her blood pressure”“stabilize prices”synonyms: stabiliseantonyms:destabilizemake unstabletypes:pegstabilize (the price of a commodity or an exchange rate) by legislation or market operations
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become stable or more stable“The economy stabilized”synonyms: stabilisetypes:root, settle, settle down, steady down, take rootbecome settled or established and stable in one's residence or life styleplateaureach a stage where no further progress is maderoostsettle down or stay, as if on a roosttype of:changeundergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
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Vocabulary lists containing stabilize
The sole survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson will need resourcefulness, courage, and strength in order to stay alive.
Kambili and Jaja's life among the elite in Nigeria isn't so easy under the thumb of their oppressive father. When the country becomes mired in political turmoil, they are sent to stay with their aunt, where they learn a different way of life.
If you're interested in environmental science, review these words associated with human impacts on Earth systems. Learn about Earth's four spheres — atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere — and the human activities that can affect them, including deforestation, industrialization, pollution, and more.