destabilize
verb
de·sta·bi·lize
(ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes
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
Historically, instability on the Korean Peninsula has tended to spill over into China, and an influx of refugees could destabilize China’s northeast and potentially much more.
—
Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024
Moving animals between populations can also spread disease, create new invasive populations or destabilize ecosystems in unpredictable ways.
—Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for destabilize 
Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024
Moving animals between populations can also spread disease, create new invasive populations or destabilize ecosystems in unpredictable ways.
—Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for destabilize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destabilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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