stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

plural stabilizers

: one that stabilizes something: such as

a

: a substance added to another substance (such as an explosive or plastic) or to a system (such as an emulsion) to prevent or delay an unwanted alteration of physical state

b

: a gyroscope device to keep ships steady in a heavy sea

c

: an airfoil providing stability for an airplane

specifically : the fixed horizontal member of the tail assembly see airplane illustration

Examples of stabilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Contracts and collective bargaining, give and take between teams and players, are the great stabilizers, as the pros know. —Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

Lithium Lithium is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder. —Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2025

Some samples on our tasting list contained stabilizers and remained perfectly smooth throughout the tasting. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 13 Mar. 2025

For the time being, however, the United States is no longer serving as a reliable stabilizer. —Monica Duffy Toft, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stabilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer

Kids Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one (as a chemical or a device) that stabilizes something

especially : a fixed surface for stabilizing the motion of an airplane

Medical Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er

variants also British stabiliser

ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that stabilizes something

especially : a substance added to another substance or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard an unwanted alteration of physical state