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
Though based on an actual trial, characters’ identities are collapsed or otherwise destabilized.
—
Rhoda Feng, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023
The latter species became pests and severely destabilized the island ecosystems.
—Syris Valentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2023
Antarctica's melting 'Doomsday glacier' could raise sea levels by 10 feet, scientists say
Satellite images taken in February showed melting from below Thwaites, giving researchers a clearer picture on the parts of the glacier that are destabilizing the fastest.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2023
But analysts say the two candidates have not done enough to prioritize combating the crime that has destabilized Ecuador and turned it into one of Latin America’s most violent countries.
—Genevieve Glatsky, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2023
In these conventional spaces many things can happen that destabilize that composure and in that clash there’s incongruity and comedy.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 28 Sep. 2023
To release the belief that my ability generates my goodness destabilizes other scaffolds to my security in the world.
—Olivia Treynor, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2023
That maneuver destabilized the politics of the early republic.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 25 Oct. 2023
Since ice shelves play an important role in buttressing, the slowing of flow of glaciers to the sea, the loss of the Thwaites and Pine Island glacier could destabilize western Antarctica, according to climate scientists.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2023
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Rhoda Feng, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023
The latter species became pests and severely destabilized the island ecosystems.
—Syris Valentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2023
Antarctica's melting 'Doomsday glacier' could raise sea levels by 10 feet, scientists say
Satellite images taken in February showed melting from below Thwaites, giving researchers a clearer picture on the parts of the glacier that are destabilizing the fastest.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2023
But analysts say the two candidates have not done enough to prioritize combating the crime that has destabilized Ecuador and turned it into one of Latin America’s most violent countries.
—Genevieve Glatsky, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2023
In these conventional spaces many things can happen that destabilize that composure and in that clash there’s incongruity and comedy.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 28 Sep. 2023
To release the belief that my ability generates my goodness destabilizes other scaffolds to my security in the world.
—Olivia Treynor, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2023
That maneuver destabilized the politics of the early republic.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 25 Oct. 2023
Since ice shelves play an important role in buttressing, the slowing of flow of glaciers to the sea, the loss of the Thwaites and Pine Island glacier could destabilize western Antarctica, according to climate scientists.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destabilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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