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

Trump has sought to blame Ukraine’s strikes for destabilizing the price of diesel globally, despite the impact of his own war with Iran. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Even the erratic economy of nineteenth-century Los Angeles, gyrating from boom to bust, didn’t destabilize Mason’s investment strategy. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

However, a wall of wind shear is expected to slightly destabilize the storm just before landfall — slowing its wind speeds to 100 mph and broadening the system, spreading the high winds and heavy rains even further from the core of the storm. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Closing schools destabilizes communities and disproportionately affects students facing barriers. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 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