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
Climate change is also holding more moisture in the air, leading to heavier rainfall — which scientists say is another factor in destabilizing certain slopes.
—
Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
And while hot water does typically fuel storms, meteorologists also pointed out there’s a good deal of wind shear near Melissa, which could destabilize it and prevent it from getting super strong, super fast.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
The alliance strengthens Russia’s influence in the Middle East and gives Iran leverage amid international isolation, raising concerns that closer ties could undermine efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program and destabilize regional power balances.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
This imbalance destabilizes democracy, distorts our economy, and limits human potential.
—Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
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Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
And while hot water does typically fuel storms, meteorologists also pointed out there’s a good deal of wind shear near Melissa, which could destabilize it and prevent it from getting super strong, super fast.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
The alliance strengthens Russia’s influence in the Middle East and gives Iran leverage amid international isolation, raising concerns that closer ties could undermine efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program and destabilize regional power balances.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
This imbalance destabilizes democracy, distorts our economy, and limits human potential.
—Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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