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
destabilization
(ˌ)dē-ˌstā-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce destabilize (audio)
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
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.
Multigenerational operations close, farmland consolidates into industrial operations or converts to nonagricultural use, rural communities destabilize and food system resilience declines. — Jeff Tkach, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Critics who called Meink’s announcement destabilizing misunderstand his intent and the role of America’s armed forces. — Dt Thompson, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 After a series of wars that have destabilized the region and jolted the global economy, the world is watching closely. — Josef Federman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Ethiopia and Eritrea revive old tensions and grievances Ethiopian authorities accuse the TPLF of seeking an alliance with Eritrea to destabilize Ethiopia, potentially bringing together enemies from the previous war. — Khaled Kazziha, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for destabilize

See All Rhymes for destabilize

Browse Nearby Words

dessus
destabilize
destain
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Cite this Entry

“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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