stabilization

UK: /ˌsteɪbɪlaɪˈzeɪʃ^ən/

US: /ˌsteɪbələˈzeɪʃən/

US: (stā′bə li zā′shən)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sta•bi•li•za•tion  (stā′bə li zā′shən), n. 

1. Photography the act or process of stabilizing or the state of being stabilized.
2. Photography Also called stabiliza′tion proc′ess. a process for making temporary black-and-white prints using special sensitized paper (stabiliza′tion pa′per) that can be rapidly processed through one or two solutions that quickly develop and stabilize the nonpermanent image.

• stabilize + -ation 1920–25

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sta•bi•lize /ˈsteɪbəˌlaɪz/   v., -lized, -liz•ing. 

1. to make or hold stable: [~ + object]
   This device on the boat should stabilize it.
   [no object]
   The boat stabilized as it picked up speed.
2. to keep or remain at a given level or amount: [~ + object]
   to stabilize rents.
   [no object]
   Interest rates have finally stabilized at a low 2.5%.

sta•bi•li•za•tion /ˌsteɪbələˈzeɪʃən/  n. [uncountable] See -stab-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sta•bi•lize  (stā′bə līz′), v., -lized, -liz•ing. 
v.t. 

1. to make or hold stable, firm, or steadfast.
2. to maintain at a given or unfluctuating level or quantity:
   The government will try to stabilize the cost of living.
3. Aeronautics to put or keep (an aircraft) in stable equilibrium, as by some special device.

v.i. 

4. to become stabilized.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] sta′bi•lise′. 

• 1860–65; stabile + -ize; compare French stabiliser