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

China has repeatedly called the presence of both systems destabilizing and demanded their removal. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

Overall, the situation is destabilizing the region, the power balance has significantly changed over recent years and not in Iran’s favor. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025

But if Ayatollah Khamenei and his regime is seriously weakened that could destabilize the rule of the theocrats. —Ian Pannell, ABC News, 18 June 2025

Iran, on the other hand, is seen as a rogue state, destabilizing the Middle East with proxy wars and militias. —Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 17 June 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