Stabilize

Definition

Stabilize typically refers to making something physically, economically, or emotionally steady, balanced, or unchanging.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsteɪbəˌlaɪz/
• Respelling: STAY-buh-lyze (with "STAY" as in "stay," "buh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "lyze" rhyming with "prize")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsteɪbɪlaɪz/
• Respelling: STAY-bi-lyze (similar to American English, with "STAY" as in "stay," "bi" as in "bit," and "lyze" like in "prize")

In both dialects, "stabilize" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "STAY." The main difference lies in the middle syllable, pronounced with a schwa sound in American English and a short "i" sound in British English.

Etymology

The verb "stabilize" is derived from the Latin word "stabilis" (meaning stable) + the suffix "-ize" which is often used to form verbs implying a process leading to a certain state.

Derivatives

• Stabilization
• Stabilizer
• Stabilized
• Unstabilized
• Restabilize

Synonyms

• Steady
• Balance
• Normalize

Antonyms

• Destabilize
• Unbalance
• Disrupt

Usage

The term "stabilize" is frequently used across various fields like engineering, economics, and psychology to describe the action of making something more stable, balanced, or resistant to change. It also finds its application in everyday language describing actions leading to more steady or balanced situations.

Related Terms

• Equilibrium
• Firmness
• Steadiness

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Physical Stability: To make or hold stable, firm or steady; to prevent from changing, increasing, or decreasing.
• Example: "Engineers worked to stabilize the structure after the earthquake."

• Economic Stability: To bring (something) to a state of stability or steadiness in economic terms; to prevent fluctuations.
• Example: "The government implemented policies to stabilize the economy."

• Emotional Stability: To make emotionally balanced or steady.
• Example: "Therapy helped him stabilize his emotions after a traumatic event."