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

Knowing Vladimir Putin, my guess is that in the fine print, Russia is seeking to continue to destabilize and undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. —Leila Fadel, NPR, 18 Aug. 2025

Proponents argue that moving quickly is still essential to staying ahead of the curve, while critics caution that speed without structure can erode trust, destabilize systems and compromise security. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

As the climate warms and destabilizes systems in parts of Alaska, experts said the threat from this type of flooding is not becoming more common, in part because glaciers are retreating. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2025

Over time, the black hole's gravity could have destabilized the star, pushing it to collapse. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Aug. 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