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

However, uneven lithium plating and stripping can destabilize their operation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Pretrial jailing disrupts families, destabilizes communities and increases the likelihood of recidivism, all of which clearly compromise — rather than protect — public safety. — Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Gulf states worry that further attacks will destabilize the region and disrupt global energy supplies. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Multigenerational operations close, farmland consolidates into industrial operations or converts to nonagricultural use, rural communities destabilize and food system resilience declines. — Jeff Tkach, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 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