destabilize
verb
de·sta·bi·lize
(ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes
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
The action is largely desynchronized, the activities onscreen contrasting with the voice-over narrations, with the effect of destabilizing the present tense of the movie, imbuing it with nostalgia and with longing for possible futures.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2025
This prevents the formation of large turbulent swirls that can destabilize a conventional canopy.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Two years ago, CNN reported on a secret plan drawn up by Russia’s security service, the FSB, laying out detailed options to destabilize Moldova – including supporting pro-Russian groups, utilizing the Orthodox Church and threatening to cut off supplies of natural gas.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Kenyan security forces were deployed to Haiti in waves over the course of 2024 and 2025 to help the Caribbean nation as it was destabilized by gang violence and civil unrest.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2025
This prevents the formation of large turbulent swirls that can destabilize a conventional canopy.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Two years ago, CNN reported on a secret plan drawn up by Russia’s security service, the FSB, laying out detailed options to destabilize Moldova – including supporting pro-Russian groups, utilizing the Orthodox Church and threatening to cut off supplies of natural gas.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Kenyan security forces were deployed to Haiti in waves over the course of 2024 and 2025 to help the Caribbean nation as it was destabilized by gang violence and civil unrest.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share