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

Every extreme weather system that has battered the US in recent years has been building on a foundation already destabilized by decades of anthropogenic warming. —Dr. Douglas M. Hasson, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026

The prey isn’t just being held underwater; it’s being held underwater and continuously destabilized simultaneously. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Limiting or banning exports could temporarily lower US gas prices, but analysts warn such a move risks further destabilizing the global energy system and doing severe damage to US refineries and producers. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

The worst outcome is repeated late cycle cuts that destabilize staffing and strip away student services. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 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