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

Not only that, but the new administration is actively seeking to destabilize friendly democracies and fuel a global movement of rightwing populism. —Stephen Collinson, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

This destabilizes the soil, weakens native vegetation, damages lawns, and causes erosion. —Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025

Arabs have limited options For Arab leaders, facilitating the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or battling Palestinian fighters on behalf of Israel are nightmare scenarios that would bring fierce domestic criticism and potentially destabilize an already volatile region. —Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

Huge new Palestinian camps in Jordan or Egypt would destabilize those countries — not bring regional peace. —Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 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