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
The problem with that stance: Lowering interest rates can also trigger inflation, potentially destabilizing the economy.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
In a recent report, the security firm highlighted how one group in particular, the 5 Segond/UVD gang, has demonstrated its ability to destabilize Haiti, threaten U.S. interests and expand its operations across international borders.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
While at the annual G20 Summit in Cape Town, the group of world leaders is taken hostage by a group of crypto bros, led by The Boys' Antony Starr, in an attempt to destabilize the world economy.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The thriller is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire’s plot to destabilize Hong Kong.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
In a recent report, the security firm highlighted how one group in particular, the 5 Segond/UVD gang, has demonstrated its ability to destabilize Haiti, threaten U.S. interests and expand its operations across international borders.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
While at the annual G20 Summit in Cape Town, the group of world leaders is taken hostage by a group of crypto bros, led by The Boys' Antony Starr, in an attempt to destabilize the world economy.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The thriller is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire’s plot to destabilize Hong Kong.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share