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

While its language appears aimed at bad actors, the downstream effect could destabilize the PSLF for the more than 12.8 million Americans who work at nonprofits. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

This crisis destabilizes regions, fuels mass migration, and empowers anti-American autocrats. —Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

Netanyahu’s government has proven astonishingly durable, despite overseeing the largest security breach in the country’s history, but the demand for equal conscription for all threatens to destabilize it. —Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 14 May 2025

Such legislation is meant to destabilize Pakistan’s internal politics, which is in no one’s interests, except those who promoted such a terrible idea in the first place. —Christopher Shays, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025

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