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
Venezuela's government has denied that prisoners have been unjustly detained and had accused them of plotting to destabilize Maduro’s regime.
—
Abigail Williams, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026
Analysts warn that its ties with Israel could become a rallying cry for Islamic extremists, destabilizing an already volatile region in which Somaliland has prided itself as an oasis of relative calm.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Like the Tower card in the Tarot — symbolic of Scorpio energy — Stephen destabilizes and transforms those around him.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
His government has been credibly linked to large-scale corruption, authoritarian repression and longstanding ties to illicit drug trafficking networks that have destabilized the region.
—Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
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Abigail Williams, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026
Analysts warn that its ties with Israel could become a rallying cry for Islamic extremists, destabilizing an already volatile region in which Somaliland has prided itself as an oasis of relative calm.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Like the Tower card in the Tarot — symbolic of Scorpio energy — Stephen destabilizes and transforms those around him.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
His government has been credibly linked to large-scale corruption, authoritarian repression and longstanding ties to illicit drug trafficking networks that have destabilized the region.
—Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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