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

That could destabilize some banks, especially smaller ones, and remove a source of funding for loans to businesses across the country. —Hugh Son, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026

Activists said the attack on Iran could destabilize the Middle East and put Americans in danger. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026

The conflagration — which resulted in decapitation strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other top officials in Iran’s command structure — spread across the Middle East on Monday and destabilized energy markets. —Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026

Or, perhaps even more likely, Iran devolves into a morass, a chaotic power struggle that destabilizes the entire powder keg of a region. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 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