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

Funding disruptions also destabilized interconnected HIV service systems. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Dew points in the mid-70s are moving into the region, helping destabilize the atmosphere south of the warm front. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Pro-Kremlin politicians accuse ⁠the West of trying to destabilize Russia ⁠before the elections and say that some censorship is necessary ‌to safeguard ​national unity at a ‌time when Moscow is locked ​in an existential struggle over Ukraine. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 July 2026

Analysts note that Iran doesn’t need a huge inventory of drones and missiles to destabilize the region and keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut, cutting off around 20% of the world’s pre-war oil supplies. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 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