Stabilize
/ˈsteɪbəlaɪz/
Definitions
To make something steady or firm; to keep it from changing or failing.
/ˈsteɪbəlaɪz/
To make or become stable; to prevent change.
The doctor was able to stabilize the patient's condition after the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to stack blocks. If they're wobbly, you need to stabilize them, right? Stabilize means to make something steady so it doesn't fall over or change.
👶 For kids: To make something stay in place and not move around.
More Examples
We need to stabilize the market to boost investor confidence.
The company is trying to stabilize its finances before the end of the year.
How It's Used
"The government is trying to stabilize the economy."
"The paramedics worked quickly to stabilize the patient."
"Engineers reinforced the bridge to stabilize it against strong winds."
From French *stabiliser*, from Latin *stabilis* ('stable').
The word 'stabilize' gained prominence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly in scientific and political contexts related to maintaining order and balance.
Memory tip
Think of a bicycle with training wheels – they *stabilize* the bike, keeping it upright.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: stabilis