destabilize

verb

de·​sta·​bi·​lize (ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce destabilize (audio)
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes

transitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many accused Trump of playing games with global markets and destabilizing the economy for political gain. Nik Popli, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 Social Coherence: Disinformation and policy contradictions (like sudden DEI reversals) destabilize consumers’ sense of predictability, with inconsistent brand messaging adding to the confusion. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 What may have looked like leverage in 2017 now risks alienating allies, destabilizing domestic industries, and accelerating the very multipolar world the U.S. seeks to forestall. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Yet Trump’s erratic economic prescriptions — including an on-again-off-again tariff policy — have destabilized markets, rattling investors, sinking consumer confidence and causing a sharp drop in the stock market. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destabilize

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destabilize was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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