destabilize

verb de·sta·bi·lize \ (ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz \

Definition of destabilize

transitive verb

1 :to make unstable

2 :to cause (something, such as a government) to be incapable of functioning or surviving

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destabilization

play \(ˌ)dē-ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

See destabilize defined for English-language learners

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 of destabilize from the Web

Many public housing authorities were also concerned that the rule would destabilize low-income neighborhoods by encouraging tenants to move out, and by setting payments lower for apartments there.

— alana semuels, The Atlantic, "Trump Administration Puts on Hold an Obama-Era Desegregation Effort," 30 Aug. 2017
But China is deeply resistant to doing anything that could destabilize or topple the regime in Pyongyang.

— simon denyer, Washington Post, "China’s president urges Trump to use restraint over North Korea," 12 Aug. 2017
There are a number of possible developments that could destabilize the situation in a dangerous way, such as Democrats and members of the House Freedom Caucus combining to vote down a spending compromise in the House.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "The Federal Government Could Be Headed for a Showdown — and a Shutdown — Over Trump’s Wall," 7 Aug. 2017
According to a study in the New Journal of Physics, traffic jams develop spontaneously when vehicle density exceeds a critical level, beyond which minor fluctuations in the flow of individual vehicles destabilize the whole thing. 3.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Traffic," 7 Aug. 2017
Major insurers are warning that the proposal could destabilize the individual insurance market.

— julia o'donoghue, NOLA.com, "Donald Trump honors 1st responders of Steve Scalise shooting," 27 July 2017
Now insurers and advocates are concerned that the administration could further destabilize the marketplaces where people shop for coverage by not promoting them or not enforcing the mandate compelling people to get coverage.

— carla k. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Trump administration pulls health law help in 18 cities, including Chicago, Orlando," 20 July 2017
That development would drive up rates for the Americans buying more comprehensive coverage on the individual market, which could in turn destabilize the entire market.

— Alaska Dispatch News, "Revised Senate health-care bill still lacks the votes to pass," 14 July 2017
That development would drive up rates for the Americans buying more comprehensive coverage on the individual market, which could in turn destabilize the entire market.

— Alaska Dispatch News, "Revised Senate health-care bill still lacks the votes to pass," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'destabilize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of destabilize

1924

DESTABILIZE Defined for English Language Learners

destabilize

verb

Definition of destabilize for English Language Learners

: to cause (something, such as a government) to be unable to continue existing or working in the usual or desired way : to make (something) unstable

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See words that rhyme with destabilize Nglish: Translation of destabilize for Spanish speakers

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destabilize

Definition of destabilize

destabilization

Examples of destabilize in a Sentence

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DESTABILIZE Defined for English Language Learners

destabilize

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destabilize

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destabilization

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DESTABILIZE Defined for English Language Learners

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