destabilize
verb
de·sta·bi·lize
(ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes
1
: to make unstable
2
: to cause (something, such as a government) to be incapable of functioning or surviving
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
Though appearing to be ordinary citizens to their friends, neighbors and even their own children, both parents are in fact elite North Korean operatives working to destabilize the South from within.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Conflicting messages over the diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran come as Pakistan has offered to host peace talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the hostilities, which have killed more than 2,400 people, further destabilized the Middle East and disrupted global oil markets.
—Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Angry human voices destabilize dogs.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The United States was spending billions of dollars unsuccessfully trying to stabilize Iraq; Iran was spending millions successfully destabilizing it.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Conflicting messages over the diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran come as Pakistan has offered to host peace talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the hostilities, which have killed more than 2,400 people, further destabilized the Middle East and disrupted global oil markets.
—Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Angry human voices destabilize dogs.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The United States was spending billions of dollars unsuccessfully trying to stabilize Iraq; Iran was spending millions successfully destabilizing it.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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