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

From his meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to his support for Brexit and far-right movements across Europe, the Russian dictator has worked to destabilize the West. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Iraq and Jordan face being destabilized, adding to their woes amid the turmoil of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

History shows that control and restraint are essential when managing systems with the potential to destabilize rather than improve. —Amir Hayeri, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Collectively, the conflicts in the Middle East have destabilized the wider region and helped reignite the civil war in Syria that had been in a stalemate for years. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1