destabilize
verb
de·sta·bi·lize
(ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes
1
: to make unstable
2
: to cause (something, such as a government) to be incapable of functioning or surviving
Examples of destabilize in a Sentence
The group hoped the assassination of the new President would destabilize the government.
Economists warn that the crisis could destabilize the nation's currency.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the meantime, their conflict threatens to further destabilize a region where terrorist outfits such as the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda are trying to remobilize.
—
Marin Scott, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
This instability is highest during mode transitions, where airflow and combustion conditions can destabilize the system, especially during climbing or maneuvering flight.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
With the election two weeks away, Shandor predicted that efforts to destabilize the country will intensify, perhaps even involving physical violence to cleave the country in two.
—Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Analysts have warned such a move could provoke wider retaliation and further destabilize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
—Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
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Marin Scott, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
This instability is highest during mode transitions, where airflow and combustion conditions can destabilize the system, especially during climbing or maneuvering flight.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
With the election two weeks away, Shandor predicted that efforts to destabilize the country will intensify, perhaps even involving physical violence to cleave the country in two.
—Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Analysts have warned such a move could provoke wider retaliation and further destabilize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
—Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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