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

European countries are growing concerned that Russia may decide to strike beyond the borders of Ukraine, leading governments across the continent to warn that any attempt by Moscow to destabilize the region will backfire. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Wideband oscillations are rapid electrical fluctuations that can, in fact, destabilize renewable power systems. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

The temporary law allows border authorities to restrict asylum applications and turn back migrants if a foreign actor attempts to destabilize the country by funneling people across the border. — Brooke Curto , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026

One potential reason floated to Semafor by market participants is that compute futures could be manipulated to show a sharp drop in the cost of older chips, which might destabilize AI stocks and debt markets. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 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