stabilize
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make something firm, steady, or unlikely to change or fail.
to make something stable, firm, or resistant to change. Transitive use requiring a direct object.
Simple“The government took steps to stabilize the economy after the crisis.”
In context“The central bank intervened aggressively to stabilize the currency and prevent further capital flight during the period of political uncertainty.”
UsageTakes a direct object.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop changing and become steady or calm.
to become stable or to reach a state of equilibrium. Intransitive use.
Simple“After a few days of rest, the patient's condition began to stabilize.”
In context“Market analysts predicted that prices would eventually stabilize once the supply chain disruptions were fully resolved.”
UsageUsed without a direct object.
“A salvage operation is under way to stabilise the stricken tanker behind a major oil spill off Oman, the risk management company coordinating the effort has said.”
“Without this, a historic opportunity to help the country rebuild and to stabilise the region will be missed.” The Syrian Government wants a sustainable recovery, and is advocating a “No Tents, No Camps” vision.”
From stable + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.