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

These are less likely to destabilize the structure than the ones at the bottom that are bearing more of the load. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

The fact that the United States, in its recent conflict with Iran, directly destabilized international energy markets undermines the country’s claim to be a fair arbiter of the global commons. — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

Gulf states and Turkey have deemed these actions destabilizing to the region and their interests. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026

Apple remains tethered to a September launch cadence because altering the timeline would destabilize TSMC silicon allocations, inflate pre-holiday cargo shipping costs, and disrupt carrier contract renewal cycles. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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