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
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Putin agreed to limit Iran’s presence in Syria, especially in the Golan Heights, close to the Israeli border, and in return, Netanyahu agreed to allow Assad’s forces to return to the Golan Heights and limit Israel’s strikes in Syria to avoid further destabilizing the regime. Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025 Melting permafrost could release vast amounts of methane and accelerate global warming, causing the collapse of the Gulf Stream and other boundary currents and further destabilizing the earth’s ecosystems. Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 But some schools could be destabilized by even a small-scale interference with the flow of agency grants, and most research institutions would be thrown into at least some disarray. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2025 These policies, and limited access to capital, which has been an ongoing challenge for Black women entrepreneurs, could destabilize the sustainability of their businesses. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near destabilize

Cite this Entry

“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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