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

The Independence School District, meanwhile, has said that the county’s shifting assessment policies destabilized the largest source of funding for its budget, motivating the district to look elsewhere for a more reliable financing source. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026

Cuts to federal Medi-Cal financing will destabilize public hospitals, lengthening emergency room waits and reducing services. —Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026

Poland says it's been overwhelmed by the influx and argues that the migrants were sent by Russia and its ally Belarus to destabilize Poland and other Western countries. —ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

The dominance of its Aladdin software has raised concerns that any disruption could destabilize the financial system. —Bydebbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 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