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destabilize

verb

de·​sta·​bi·​lize (ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce destabilize (audio)
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes

transitive verb

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
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However, the revelation of the 28-point plan caught European leaders off guard and highlighted how much they have been sidelined in the process of solving the war destabilizing the continent. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 Rough phrasing can be powered through on an ATV of anthemic feeling — thus the career of Tim Rice — but Barne and Buchan are aiming to find depth in the small, and every lyrical imprecision destabilizes the whole. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025 Each chamber isolates a different set of actives that would otherwise destabilize, oxidize, or lose strength if mixed together in a standard bottle. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Nov. 2025 Losing reefs would destabilize many countries, along with risking extinction for marine life that can only be found on coral reefs. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destabilize

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destabilize was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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