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
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.
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 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 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on destabilize

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