stabilize
Make a situation steady
To make something that is changing or getting worse become steady and not change so much.
to stabilize [something]
- The central bank raised interest rates to stabilize the currency.
- New regulations were introduced to stabilize the housing market.
- International aid helped stabilize the political situation after the conflict.
- Her mood finally stabilized once her work schedule became more predictable.
- After several weeks of sharp increases, food prices have started to stabilize.
- The government is trying to stabilize the economy.
- We need clear rules to stabilize the situation at work.
- Oil prices did not stabilize until the end of the year.
- New laws helped stabilize relations between the two countries.
- Her life stabilized after she found a steady job.
Make something physically steady
To make something stand or stay in one place so it does not move or fall.
to stabilize [a physical object]
- He used a tripod to stabilize the camera during the long exposure.
- Workers added extra beams to stabilize the bridge after the earthquake.
- Please hold the ladder to stabilize it while I climb up.
- Engineers are working to stabilize the damaged building before anyone goes inside.
- The pilot had to stabilize the aircraft after the sudden turbulence.
- I put books under the leg of the table to stabilize it.
- She held my arm to stabilize me on the ice.
- They used ropes to stabilize the small boat.
- We need to stabilize the shelf before we put heavy boxes on it.
- A stand helps stabilize the microphone.
Make a patient’s condition safe
In medical situations, to make a sick or injured person’s condition stop getting worse and become safe for a time.
to stabilize [a patient / condition]
- Paramedics managed to stabilize the patient before transporting her to the hospital.
- Doctors worked through the night to stabilize his condition after the surgery.
- Once her vital signs stabilized, she was moved out of the intensive care unit.
- The hospital said that all three accident victims had been stabilized.
- Medication was given to stabilize his heart rhythm.
- The doctors are trying to stabilize the patient.
- His condition stabilized after they gave him medicine.
- Paramedics stabilized her at the scene of the accident.
- After two hours, the baby’s breathing stabilized.
- The nurse said that his condition is now stable and they will try to keep it stabilized.
Make a substance less reactive
To change a chemical or material so it does not react or break down easily.
to stabilize [a substance / material]
- Antioxidants are added to the product to stabilize the oil and prevent it from going rancid.
- The new process helps stabilize the compound at high temperatures.
- Researchers are working to stabilize the vaccine so it can be stored without refrigeration.
- A special coating is used to stabilize the metal surface against corrosion.
- The solution must be stabilized before it is transported.
- They add chemicals to stabilize the color of the food.
- This drug is difficult to stabilize at room temperature.
- Scientists are trying to stabilize the material so it lasts longer.
- The company uses a new method to stabilize the liquid.
- A small amount of salt can help stabilize the mixture.
- Base: stabilize
- 3rd Person Singular: stabilizes
- Present Participle: stabilizing
- Past: stabilized
stabilize a patient
1Make a patient’s condition stable
To give emergency medical care so the sick or hurt person does not get worse and is safe for now.
- Paramedics worked quickly to stabilize the patient before moving him.
- Once they stabilized the patient, doctors prepared her for surgery.
stabilize blood sugar
1Keep blood sugar level steady
To keep the amount of sugar in the blood at a safe, steady level so it does not go too high or too low.
- Eating small regular meals can help stabilize blood sugar.
- The medication is designed to stabilize blood sugar throughout the day.
stabilize prices
1Stop prices changing quickly
To make prices become steady so they do not go up and down a lot.
- The central bank raised interest rates to stabilize prices.
- Stronger supply chains could help stabilize food prices.
stabilize the economy
1Make a country’s economy steady
To take actions so that a country’s economy becomes steady and does not fall or change quickly.
- The government introduced tax reforms to stabilize the economy.
- International loans were used to help stabilize the economy after the crisis.
stabilize the market
1Make a financial market steady
To take actions so that a financial market stops falling or moving up and down very fast.
- The stock exchange suspended trading to stabilize the market.
- Investors are hoping the new policy will stabilize the market.