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 Associated Press reported that Yemeni officials urged the STC to withdraw from areas seized in the east, cautioning that unilateral moves could undermine the political process and destabilize a fragile balance in the south. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Set your laundry for cold or lukewarm water (never hot), since heat can destabilize the pigment and reduce its whitening effect. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

What few people know is America’s role in destabilizing this nation. —Immigration Lawyer, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

Every imitation pulls money away from small designers and funnels it into fast-fashion giants that fuel climate change, harm the environment, and further destabilize the very small businesses that drive true creativity. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 9 Dec. 2025

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