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

Because of the profound ecological and economic consequences, experts continue to closely monitor the lakes and work to prevent the introduction of additional invasive species that could further destabilize the system. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Comprehensive military action could destabilize the entire region without guaranteeing a better Iran emerges from the rubble. —Bobby Ghosh, Time, 20 Jan. 2026

Even a single variant can disrupt protein function by impairing subunit assembly and destabilizing the overall structure. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Instigating tariff wars Trump has repeatedly destabilized global markets by instituting, lifting and reimposing sweeping tariffs on foreign nations. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 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