stabilize
stabilize in 30 Seconds
- To stabilize is to make something steady, firm, or unlikely to change. It is the opposite of letting something fluctuate or fall apart.
- It is commonly used in medical contexts (stabilizing a patient), economic contexts (stabilizing prices), and physical contexts (stabilizing a ladder).
- The word functions as both a transitive verb (you stabilize something) and an intransitive verb (something stabilizes on its own).
- Using 'stabilize' implies a transition from a state of chaos, danger, or movement to a state of control, safety, and balance.
To stabilize is to take something that is currently shaking, changing, or failing and make it firm, steady, and consistent. Imagine a table with a broken leg that wobbles every time you touch it. When you put a piece of wood under the leg to stop the wobbling, you are stabilizing the table. In a broader sense, this word is used whenever we move from a state of chaos or uncertainty toward a state of balance and predictability. It is a transition from 'falling apart' to 'holding together.'
- Medical Context
- In a hospital, if a patient is in critical condition, the doctors first goal is to stabilize them. This means making sure their heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure are not getting worse, even if they aren't fully 'cured' yet. It is about stopping the decline.
After the earthquake, engineers worked around the clock to stabilize the damaged bridge before it collapsed.
- Economic Context
- Governments often try to stabilize the economy. If prices are rising too fast (inflation) or falling too fast (deflation), the central bank might change interest rates to bring things back to a normal, steady level where businesses can plan for the future.
The pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft after it hit severe turbulence over the Atlantic.
- Emotional Context
- We also use this word for feelings. If someone is very upset or having a panic attack, they might need deep breathing exercises to stabilize their emotions and feel calm again.
The new medication helped stabilize his mood swings, allowing him to return to work.
We need to stabilize the chemical reaction by lowering the temperature of the beaker.
The peace treaty was designed to stabilize the region after years of civil unrest.
In summary, whether you are talking about a physical object, a person's health, a country's economy, or your own feelings, to stabilize is to stop the shaking and find a solid ground. It is a word of control and recovery.
Using 'stabilize' correctly requires understanding whether you are doing the action to something else (transitive) or if something is becoming steady on its own (intransitive). It is a versatile verb that fits into formal reports, medical charts, and casual conversations about life balance.
- Transitive Use (Doing it to something)
- When you use an object after the verb. Example: 'The government must stabilize the currency.' Here, the government is the actor, and the currency is the thing being made steady.
The rescue team used heavy jacks to stabilize the rubble before searching for survivors.
- Intransitive Use (Happening on its own)
- When the subject itself becomes steady. Example: 'The patient's condition began to stabilize.' In this case, we don't necessarily name the doctor; we just describe the state of the patient becoming firm.
Once the market stabilizes, it will be a much safer time to invest your savings.
- Common Tenses
- Past: stabilized ('He stabilized the ladder'). Present: stabilizes ('The drug stabilizes the heart'). Continuous: stabilizing ('We are currently stabilizing the foundation').
By stabilizing the camera on a tripod, you can take much clearer photos at night.
The international community is working to stabilize the political climate in the war-torn nation.
It took several hours for the ship to stabilize after the cargo shifted in the hold.
Whether you are describing a physical act or a conceptual one, 'stabilize' conveys a sense of bringing order to chaos. It is a powerful verb for describing recovery and maintenance.
'Stabilize' is a staple of news broadcasts, medical dramas, and technical manuals. You will hear it most often in environments where safety, finance, or health are the primary concerns. It is a word that signals a move toward safety.
- In the News
- News anchors often use 'stabilize' when discussing the stock market or global conflicts. 'The Dow Jones stabilized after a morning of heavy losses' or 'Diplomats are trying to stabilize the borders.'
Breaking news: The central bank has intervened to stabilize the falling value of the pound.
- In Medical Settings
- If you watch shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' or 'ER,' you'll hear doctors yell, 'We need to stabilize him!' This refers to stopping a patient from dying by controlling their vital signs.
The doctor said that once the patient's breathing stabilizes, they can move her to a regular ward.
- In Science and Engineering
- Scientists talk about stabilizing chemical compounds or temperatures. Engineers talk about stabilizing soil before building a house so the house doesn't sink or tilt.
Adding lime to the soil can help stabilize it, making it a better base for the new road.
The new software update is intended to stabilize the operating system and prevent crashes.
After a shaky start, the gymnast managed to stabilize her performance and finish with a high score.
In all these contexts, 'stabilize' is a reassuring word. It means the worst of the volatility is over and things are becoming manageable again.
Even though 'stabilize' is a common word, learners often trip over its spelling, its part of speech, and its nuance compared to similar words like 'fix' or 'stay.'
- Confusing with 'Stable'
- 'Stable' is an adjective (a state), while 'stabilize' is a verb (an action). You cannot say 'I need to stable the table.' You must say 'I need to stabilize the table' or 'The table is now stable.'
Incorrect: We must stable the prices. Correct: We must stabilize the prices.
- Spelling: -ize vs -ise
- In American English, it is always 'stabilize.' In British English, both 'stabilize' and 'stabilise' are acceptable, though 'stabilise' is more common in everyday UK writing. Just be consistent!
If a company's profits stabilize, it means they stopped falling, but it also means they stopped growing.
- Overusing it for People
- While you can stabilize a patient, you don't usually 'stabilize' a friend who is just a little sad. Use 'calm down' or 'comfort' for social situations. 'Stabilize' sounds very clinical or technical.
The therapist worked to stabilize the patient's severe bipolar symptoms before starting talk therapy.
Don't confuse stabilize with 'stagnate.' Stagnating is bad (no movement), while stabilizing is good (controlled movement).
Using the word stabilize correctly shows a high level of English proficiency because it deals with abstract concepts of balance.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can use 'stabilize' to accurately describe the process of bringing order to a volatile situation.
While 'stabilize' is a great word, sometimes a different word might fit your context better. Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms will help you express yourself more precisely.
- Steady vs. Stabilize
- 'Steady' is often used for physical things. You 'steady' a ladder with your hands. 'Stabilize' is more formal and can be used for both physical and abstract things (like an economy).
Can you steady the table while I fix the leg? vs. The medication will stabilize your blood sugar.
- Balance vs. Stabilize
- 'Balance' implies equal weight on two sides. 'Stabilize' implies making something firm so it doesn't move at all. You balance a checkbook, but you stabilize a shaky economy.
We need to secure the load on the truck so it doesn't fall off during the trip.
- Fix vs. Stabilize
- 'Fix' means to repair something that is broken. 'Stabilize' means to stop it from getting worse. If a pipe is leaking, you stabilize it by turning off the water, then you fix it by replacing the pipe.
The central bank's goal is to equilibrate the market forces, though this is a very academic term.
Using solidify is better when you are talking about making a plan or an agreement more certain.
The sudden scandal threatened to destabilize the entire government coalition.
Choosing the right word depends on whether you are in a lab, a hospital, a bank, or your own kitchen. 'Stabilize' remains the most versatile choice for any situation requiring steadiness.
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The word 'stabilize' shares the same root as 'star' and 'stand'. It is all about the idea of being fixed in place like the stars in the sky.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'a' like 'cat' instead of 'stay'.
- Forgetting the 'z' sound at the end.
- Confusing it with 'stable' and saying 'stablize' without the middle 'i' sound.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and textbooks, easy to recognize contextually.
Requires correct spelling (-ize) and understanding of transitive/intransitive use.
Useful for sounding professional, but needs correct stress on the first syllable.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear in medical or news contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Causative Verbs
The medicine made his condition stabilize.
Passive Voice
The market was stabilized by the news.
Infinitive of Purpose
He used a brace to stabilize his knee.
Gerund as Subject
Stabilizing the economy is a difficult task.
Transitive vs Intransitive
I stabilized the table (Transitive). The table stabilized (Intransitive).
Examples by Level
The table is moving, so I will stabilize it.
The table is moving, so I will make it steady.
Subject + will + verb
He used a stick to stabilize the plant.
He used a stick to keep the plant straight.
Past tense 'used'
The doctor helps to stabilize the sick man.
The doctor makes the sick man steady.
Present simple
Please stabilize the ladder for me.
Please hold the ladder so it does not move.
Imperative sentence
The boat began to stabilize after the storm.
The boat became steady after the storm.
Infinitive 'to stabilize'
We need to stabilize the tent in the wind.
We need to make the tent firm in the wind.
Need + to + verb
Hold my arm to stabilize yourself.
Hold my arm to stay steady.
Reflexive pronoun 'yourself'
The price of milk will stabilize soon.
The price of milk will stop changing.
Future tense with 'will'
The pilot worked hard to stabilize the plane.
The pilot tried to make the plane fly smoothly.
Verb + adverb 'hard'
New laws helped to stabilize the country.
New laws made the country more peaceful.
Helped + to + verb
You should stabilize the camera before taking a photo.
Make the camera steady before you click.
Modal verb 'should'
The patient's heart rate is starting to stabilize.
The heart rate is becoming normal.
Present continuous 'is starting'
They used rocks to stabilize the river bank.
They put rocks to stop the ground from washing away.
Transitive use with object 'river bank'
The economy is expected to stabilize next year.
People think the economy will be steady next year.
Passive construction 'is expected'
He took deep breaths to stabilize his nerves.
He breathed deeply to feel calm.
Infinitive of purpose
The wall was stabilized with steel beams.
The wall was made strong with metal bars.
Passive voice past tense
The medication is designed to stabilize blood pressure.
The medicine keeps blood pressure at a safe level.
Passive 'is designed'
It took several hours to stabilize the situation after the riot.
It took time to bring order back after the trouble.
Dummy subject 'It'
The government is taking steps to stabilize the currency.
The government is acting to stop the money's value from falling.
Idiom 'taking steps'
We need to stabilize the foundation of the house.
We must make the base of the house firm.
Noun 'foundation'
Her condition has stabilized, but she is still very weak.
She is not getting worse, but she is not strong.
Present perfect 'has stabilized'
The tripod is used to stabilize the telescope.
The stand keeps the telescope from shaking.
Passive 'is used'
The market will stabilize once the news is confirmed.
The stock market will be steady after the news.
Time clause with 'once'
He tried to stabilize his income by taking a second job.
He wanted a steady amount of money every month.
Gerund 'taking'
The central bank intervened to stabilize the exchange rate.
The bank acted to keep the currency value steady.
Verb 'intervened'
Adding sand can help stabilize the muddy path.
Sand makes the soft ground firmer.
Gerund subject 'Adding sand'
The therapist helped him stabilize his emotional state.
The doctor helped him manage his feelings.
Causative 'helped him stabilize'
The aircraft's automated systems help to stabilize it during flight.
Computers keep the plane steady while flying.
Possessive 'aircraft's'
International aid was sent to stabilize the food supply.
Help was sent to ensure there is enough food.
Compound noun 'food supply'
The project aims to stabilize the population of endangered tigers.
The goal is to stop the number of tigers from falling.
Verb 'aims'
The chemical was added to stabilize the mixture.
The substance kept the liquid from changing.
Infinitive of purpose
After the scandal, the company struggled to stabilize its reputation.
The company tried to make people trust it again.
Verb 'struggled'
The structural engineers used carbon fiber to stabilize the ancient ruins.
Engineers used modern tech to keep old buildings from falling.
Specific technical terminology
The treaty was a crucial step in stabilizing the geopolitical landscape.
The agreement helped make world politics more predictable.
Gerund 'stabilizing' as object of preposition
Macroeconomic policies were implemented to stabilize the volatile market.
Big economic rules were made to stop the market from jumping.
Adjective 'volatile'
The patient was administered a sedative to stabilize his erratic behavior.
He was given medicine to stop his strange actions.
Passive 'was administered'
Stabilizing the climate requires a global reduction in carbon emissions.
Keeping the weather normal needs less pollution.
Gerund as a subject
The gyroscope is essential to stabilize the satellite's orientation.
The spinning device keeps the satellite facing the right way.
Noun 'orientation'
The new CEO's primary task was to stabilize the flailing corporation.
The boss had to save the failing company.
Adjective 'flailing'
The ecosystem relies on various feedback loops to stabilize itself.
Nature uses cycles to stay in balance.
Reflexive 'itself'
The precarious peace was stabilized by the presence of neutral observers.
The shaky peace was kept by outside watchers.
Adjective 'precarious'
The algorithm works to stabilize the power grid during peak demand.
The computer code keeps electricity flowing when many people use it.
Technical 'power grid'
He sought to stabilize his legacy through extensive philanthropic work.
He wanted to make sure people remembered him well by giving money.
Abstract 'legacy'
The buffer solution is used to stabilize the pH level of the blood.
The liquid keeps the blood's acidity the same.
Scientific 'pH level'
Stabilizing the internal dynamics of the team proved more difficult than expected.
Fixing how the team worked together was hard.
Complex subject phrase
The architect incorporated dampers to stabilize the skyscraper against wind sway.
The builder used weights to stop the tall building from moving in the wind.
Noun 'dampers'
The intervention was intended to stabilize the social order in the wake of the crisis.
The action was meant to keep society organized after the problem.
Prepositional phrase 'in the wake of'
Natural selection often acts to stabilize a population's genetic diversity.
Nature works to keep the genes of a group steady.
Biological 'natural selection'
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To bring order to a failing organization or project.
The new manager was hired to stabilize the ship after the layoffs.
— To become calm after being very anxious.
A cup of tea helped to stabilize her nerves before the interview.
— To make a movement of liquid or data consistent.
We need to stabilize the flow of information between departments.
— To stop a population from growing or shrinking too fast.
The conservation program aims to stabilize the population of local birds.
— To make body parts like knees or shoulders firm.
Physical therapy can help stabilize the joints after an injury.
— To make the bottom of something firm.
Make sure to stabilize the base of the Christmas tree.
— To strengthen the central muscles of the body.
Pilates is great for stabilizing the core.
— To bring peace to an area of conflict.
The UN sent troops to stabilize the region.
— To make the production of a factory consistent.
The new machinery will help stabilize the factory's output.
— To make an internet or radio signal steady.
I'm moving closer to the router to stabilize the connection.
Often Confused With
Stable is an adjective (The table is stable). Stabilize is a verb (I will stabilize the table).
Stagnate means to stop growing or moving in a bad way. Stabilize means to stop fluctuating in a good way.
Standardize means to make things the same. Stabilize means to make things steady.
Idioms & Expressions
— Keep doing what you are doing in a stable way.
The project is on track, so it's steady as she goes.
informal— To disturb a stable situation.
Don't rock the boat by asking for a raise right now.
informal— In a stable and calm state.
After the crisis, life is finally back on an even keel.
neutral— A stable position in an argument or situation.
With these facts, we are on firm ground.
neutral— Something that provides stability during trouble.
Her family was her anchor in the storm.
literary— Calm and stable in personality.
We need a level-headed person to lead this team.
neutral— To remain stable until a problem passes.
The company managed to weather the storm of the recession.
neutral— To become stable and realistic.
He needs to get his feet on the ground before he starts a business.
informalEasily Confused
Both mean to make firm.
Steady is more common for physical touch; stabilize is more common for systems and health.
Steady the ladder with your hands; the doctor will stabilize the patient.
Both imply making something better.
Fix means to repair; stabilize means to stop it from getting worse.
Fix the broken leg; stabilize the patient's blood loss.
Both mean to become calm.
Settle is used for dust, weather, or stomachs; stabilize is for technical or medical states.
The dust will settle; the market will stabilize.
Both mean to make firm.
Secure means to attach or protect; stabilize means to balance.
Secure the rope; stabilize the load.
Both involve equilibrium.
Balance is about weight distribution; stabilize is about preventing movement.
Balance the scale; stabilize the wobbly table.
Sentence Patterns
I will stabilize the [object].
I will stabilize the chair.
The [noun] began to stabilize.
The weather began to stabilize.
We need to stabilize the [abstract noun].
We need to stabilize the situation.
[Noun] helps to stabilize [noun].
Exercise helps to stabilize weight.
The [noun] was stabilized by [action].
The building was stabilized by new beams.
Stabilizing the [system] requires [noun].
Stabilizing the climate requires cooperation.
An effort to stabilize the [noun] is underway.
An effort to stabilize the region is underway.
The [noun] serves to stabilize the [complex system].
The algorithm serves to stabilize the power grid.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in professional, medical, and news contexts.
-
I need to stable the table.
→
I need to stabilize the table.
Stable is an adjective, stabilize is the verb.
-
The prices are stabilizing up.
→
The prices are stabilizing.
Stabilizing means staying the same, so you don't need 'up' or 'down'.
-
He stabilized his broken arm with a fix.
→
He stabilized his broken arm with a splint.
Use specific nouns for the tools used to stabilize.
-
The weather is very stabilize today.
→
The weather is very stable today.
Use the adjective 'stable' after 'is'.
-
We must stabilization the economy.
→
We must stabilize the economy.
Stabilization is a noun; you need the verb form after 'must'.
Tips
Context Matters
Use 'stabilize' when you want to sound precise about stopping a decline.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember you can say 'I stabilized it' or 'It stabilized.'
The -ize Suffix
In the US, always use -ize. In the UK, -ise is more common but -ize is also okay.
Word Family
Learn 'stability' and 'stable' at the same time to expand your range.
Stress the Start
Always put the emphasis on the 'STAY' part of the word.
First Step
In medicine, stabilizing is the first priority before surgery or long-term care.
Market Talk
Use it when discussing stocks or inflation to sound like a pro.
Steady Shots
Look for 'IS' (Image Stabilization) on camera lenses.
Mood Control
It's a great word for describing emotional recovery.
Prevention
Stabilizing is often about preventing a collapse or an accident.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
STAY + ABLE + IZE. To stabilize is to make something 'ABLE' to 'STAY' in one place.
Visual Association
Imagine a tripod. A tripod has three legs to stabilize a camera so it doesn't shake.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'stabilize' in a sentence about your morning routine. For example: 'Drinking coffee helps to stabilize my energy for the day.'
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'stabilis', meaning 'standing firm' or 'steadfast'. This comes from the root 'stare', meaning 'to stand'. It entered Middle English via the Old French word 'stable'.
Original meaning: To make something stand firm or to render it steadfast.
Indo-European (Latin branch)Cultural Context
Be careful when using it regarding people's mental health; it can sound a bit cold or clinical.
Commonly used in political speeches and corporate reports to reassure the public or investors.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical Emergency
- Stabilize the patient
- Vitals are stabilizing
- Stabilize the spine
- Medical stabilization
Economics
- Stabilize prices
- Market stabilization
- Stabilize the currency
- Economic stability
Construction
- Stabilize the foundation
- Stabilize the soil
- Structural stabilization
- Stabilize the scaffolding
Photography
- Image stabilization
- Stabilize the camera
- Optical stabilizer
- Shaky footage
Personal Life
- Stabilize my mood
- Stabilize my finances
- Stabilize a relationship
- Find stability
Conversation Starters
"How do you stabilize your mood after a very stressful day at work?"
"Do you think the government is doing enough to stabilize the cost of living?"
"What tools do you use to stabilize your camera when taking photos?"
"Have you ever had to stabilize a wobbly piece of furniture? How did you do it?"
"In your opinion, what is the best way to stabilize a friendship after a big argument?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time in your life when things felt unstable. What did you do to stabilize your situation?
Write about the importance of stabilizing the environment. What are three things we can do to help?
If you were a doctor, how would you explain the process of stabilizing a patient to their family?
Reflect on your finances. What steps are you taking to stabilize your savings for the future?
Think about a project you are working on. How can you stabilize the workflow to be more productive?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is used in economics, engineering, photography, and everyday life to describe making anything steady.
They are the same word. 'Stabilize' is American English, and 'stabilise' is British English.
Yes, it is a common way to describe finding mental balance after a period of stress.
It is neutral to formal. It is more formal than 'steady' but less formal than 'equilibrate'.
A stabilizer is a person or thing that makes something stable, like a chemical additive or a part of a plane.
Yes, it is very common in news to talk about stabilizing the price of gas or food.
Not necessarily. It means to stop things from getting worse or changing. It's about reaching a steady state.
It is pronounced STAY-bi-lize, with the stress on the first syllable.
The most direct opposite is 'destabilize.' Other opposites include 'shake' or 'disturb.'
Yes, it is a B1 level word, meaning it is essential for intermediate English learners.
Test Yourself 192 questions
Write a sentence using 'stabilize' in a medical context.
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Write a sentence using 'stabilize' in an economic context.
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Write a sentence using 'stabilize' in a physical context.
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Describe how you stabilize your emotions after a stressful event.
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Why is it important to stabilize a ladder before climbing it?
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Explain the difference between 'fix' and 'stabilize'.
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Write a formal sentence about stabilizing a political region.
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How does a tripod help a photographer?
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Write a sentence using 'stabilize' as an intransitive verb.
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Use 'stabilize' in a sentence about the environment.
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What does 'stabilize the ship' mean in a business context?
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Write a sentence about stabilizing a plant.
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How can a government stabilize food prices?
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Write a sentence about stabilizing a chemical reaction.
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Use the word 'stabilizer' in a sentence.
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Describe a time you helped someone stabilize something.
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Write a sentence about stabilizing a population of animals.
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How do you stabilize a shaky camera?
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Write a sentence about stabilizing a foundation.
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Use 'stabilize' in a sentence about a relationship.
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Pronounce the word 'stabilize' clearly.
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Explain what 'stabilize' means in your own words.
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Tell a short story about a doctor stabilizing a patient.
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Discuss how you would stabilize a wobbly table in a restaurant.
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How can a government stabilize the price of gasoline?
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Why do photographers use tripods?
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What does it mean to stabilize your finances?
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How do you stabilize your mood when you are angry?
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Explain 'image stabilization' in smartphones.
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Describe a situation where you had to stabilize a ladder.
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What is the importance of stabilizing a building's foundation?
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How can international aid stabilize a war-torn country?
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Use 'stabilize' in a sentence about a boat.
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What are some synonyms for 'stabilize'?
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Is 'stabilize' a formal or informal word?
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Can you stabilize a relationship? How?
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What happens if you don't stabilize a chemical reaction?
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How do training wheels help a child?
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Why do we need to stabilize the climate?
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What is the noun form of stabilize?
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Listen to the sentence: 'The medic worked to stabilize the climber.' What was the medic doing?
Listen to the sentence: 'The market is finally stabilizing.' Is the market still changing wildly?
Listen to the sentence: 'We need a stabilizer for this camera.' What do they need?
Listen to the sentence: 'The foundation was stabilized with concrete.' How was it made firm?
Listen to the sentence: 'Stabilize the ladder before you climb.' What should you do first?
Listen to the sentence: 'The medication will stabilize his mood.' What will the medicine do?
Listen to the sentence: 'The pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft.' Did the pilot succeed?
Listen to the sentence: 'The government is trying to stabilize the currency.' What is the government's goal?
Listen to the sentence: 'The patient is in a stable condition.' Is the patient getting worse?
Listen to the sentence: 'Stabilizing the soil is the first step.' What is the first step?
Listen to the sentence: 'The price of oil has stabilized.' What happened to the price?
Listen to the sentence: 'Use a tripod to stabilize your shots.' What is the advice?
Listen to the sentence: 'The treaty helped stabilize the region.' What was the result of the treaty?
Listen to the sentence: 'He took a deep breath to stabilize himself.' Why did he breathe deeply?
Listen to the sentence: 'The chemical was added to stabilize the mixture.' Why was the chemical added?
/ 192 correct
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Summary
Stabilize is a versatile B1-level verb that describes the act of bringing order to a volatile situation. For example, 'The medic worked to stabilize the climber's breathing' shows how the word focuses on stopping a decline and reaching a steady state.
- To stabilize is to make something steady, firm, or unlikely to change. It is the opposite of letting something fluctuate or fall apart.
- It is commonly used in medical contexts (stabilizing a patient), economic contexts (stabilizing prices), and physical contexts (stabilizing a ladder).
- The word functions as both a transitive verb (you stabilize something) and an intransitive verb (something stabilizes on its own).
- Using 'stabilize' implies a transition from a state of chaos, danger, or movement to a state of control, safety, and balance.
Context Matters
Use 'stabilize' when you want to sound precise about stopping a decline.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember you can say 'I stabilized it' or 'It stabilized.'
The -ize Suffix
In the US, always use -ize. In the UK, -ise is more common but -ize is also okay.
Word Family
Learn 'stability' and 'stable' at the same time to expand your range.