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

Put another way, each can destabilize the other by enabling the others’ Kurds. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The singular indie filmmaker snaps his audience to attention by repeatedly destabilizing the structure of his own story. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 July 2026

Funding disruptions also destabilized interconnected HIV service systems. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Dew points in the mid-70s are moving into the region, helping destabilize the atmosphere south of the warm front. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 21 July 2026

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