destabilize

verb

de·​sta·​bi·​lize (ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 

destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes

transitive verb

1

: to make unstable

2

: to cause (something, such as a government) to be incapable of functioning or surviving

destabilization

(ˌ)dē-ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

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

Recent tariff hikes and isolationist trade policies— not to mention erratic policy swings— threaten to further destabilize food access in already-vulnerable regions. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Treating global diseases and addressing civil conflicts is a way for wealthy Western governments to limit threats that could destabilize their countries, as well as the rest of the world. —Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025

Water freezes and expands, causing asphalt to shift and destabilize. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025

There’s a dreamy quality to each scene, which destabilizes confidence in what’s real. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for destabilize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize