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, this constant demand has fueled a global sand crisis, leading to the dredging of waterways that destabilize riverbanks and destroy vital aquatic ecosystems. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 Many of them have been linked to retreating glaciers, as melting ice destabilizes the mountains and land that had been covered for centuries. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 Their near miss underscores the threat to ships and local communities as retreating glaciers destabilize the landscape. Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026 Rejections and reversals of prior directives at the FDA division responsible for reviewing cell and gene therapies have destabilized the already shaky footing of this field. Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 May 2026 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 11 May. 2026.

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