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estabilizar means stabilize — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 17, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

estabilizar

verb • /[es-ta-bee-lee-ZAR]/

stabilize

Example:

Hay que estabilizar al paciente.

We need to stabilize the patient.

🧠 What does estabilizar mean?

Estabilizar is a transitive verb in Spanish that means to stabilize. It refers to the action of making something firm, steady, or resistant to change, often bringing it to a state of balance or preventing further deterioration. In a medical context, it frequently describes the process of managing a patient's condition to prevent it from worsening, bringing vital signs to a normal range, or securing an injury. This can involve medication, physical intervention, or ongoing treatment to maintain a constant and safe state. The term is widely applicable across various fields but holds particular significance in healthcare for patient management and recovery.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los paramédicos trabajaron para estabilizar al paciente antes de transportarlo al hospital.
    The paramedics worked to stabilize the patient before transporting them to the hospital.
  • Es crucial estabilizar la fractura con una férula antes de cualquier movimiento.
    It is crucial to stabilize the fracture with a splint before any movement.
  • La enfermera administró la medicación para estabilizar la presión arterial del enfermo.
    The nurse administered the medication to stabilize the patient's blood pressure.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'estabilizar' comes from the Latin 'stabilis,' meaning 'firm' or 'standing fast.' This Latin root is also the origin of English words like 'stable,' 'stability,' and 'establish,' highlighting a shared linguistic foundation for concepts of steadiness and firmness across languages. Understanding this root can help learners connect related vocabulary.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "estabilizar"

Synonyms: afirmar, consolidar, equilibrar, asegurar, mantener, fijar, sostener
Opposites: desestabilizar, desequilibrar, fluctuar, alterar, perturbar, socavar

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'stabilize' in Spanish?
The English word 'stabilize' translates to 'estabilizar' in Spanish.
How do you pronounce 'estabilizar' in Spanish?
'Estabilizar' is pronounced approximately: es-tah-bee-lee-SAHR. The stress falls on the last syllable, and the 'z' sounds like an 's' in most of Latin America, or like the 'th' in 'thin' in parts of Spain.
How do you use 'estabilizar' in a sentence?
A common usage is: 'El médico intentó estabilizar el estado del herido.' (The doctor tried to stabilize the injured person's condition.) This verb is frequently used in medical and general contexts to indicate making something firm or steady.
What is the English translation of 'estabilizar'?
The English translation of 'estabilizar' is 'to stabilize'.
Does 'estabilizar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'estabilizar' itself does not change for gender or number. However, like all Spanish verbs, it conjugates according to the subject (person), tense, and mood. For example, 'yo estabilizo' (I stabilize) or 'ellos estabilizan' (they stabilize). The object of the verb might have gender and number, but the verb form does not agree with them directly in this way.
Is 'estabilizar' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'estabilizar' is a formal and precise term, it is quite common in everyday Spanish, especially when discussing health, finances, or any situation requiring a return to a steady state. Its usage extends beyond purely academic or medical contexts into general conversation.
Does 'estabilizar' have slang or double meanings?
'Estabilizar' generally maintains its core meaning of making something stable or steady. It does not commonly carry slang or double meanings, nor is it typically used in idiomatic expressions with a divergent sense. Its usage is consistently direct and literal.
Is 'estabilizar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'estabilizar' is universally understood and used with the same core meaning across all Spanish-speaking regions, including Spain and Latin America. There are no significant differences in its usage or connotation that would impede communication.
How do you conjugate 'estabilizar' in Spanish?
Here are some common conjugations for 'estabilizar': Present Indicative: yo estabilizo, tú estabilizas, él/ella/usted estabiliza, nosotros/as estabilizamos, vosotros/as estabilizáis, ellos/as/ustedes estabilizan. Preterite Indicative: yo estabilicé, tú estabilizaste, él/ella/usted estabilizó. Future Indicative: yo estabilizaré, tú estabilizarás, él/ella/usted estabilizará. Past Participle: estabilizado. Gerund: estabilizando.

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