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

As conflict destabilizes parts of the Middle East, the ripple effects are already reaching the region’s luxury economy, which has become a promising growth engine for a struggling global sector. —Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

That reach gives the force influence across much of Iran’s power structure, making the state harder to quickly destabilize through airstrikes alone. —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026

Iran’s network has destabilized and spread terror throughout the world. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026

Netanyahu signaled that Israel’s campaign in Iran is far from over, warning that additional strikes are coming to destabilize the country’s leadership. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 7 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