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

In 2017, Lee spent more than a hundred thousand dollars to renovate it, which allowed him, under previous laws, to destabilize it. —Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025

The institutions most dependent on steady payrolls, consumer banks and insurers, quietly destabilize. —Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025

Mid-decade redistricting is a power grab that destabilizes representation, burns taxpayer dollars on lawsuits, and keeps Austin from doing its actual job. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025

Real Madrid has fought the Miami match tooth and nail, accusing Tebas of chasing attention and destabilizing the league. —Asli Pelit, New York Times, 11 Oct. 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