destabilize
verb
de·sta·bi·lize
(ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 
destabilized; destabilizing; destabilizes
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
When the racket meets the ball, small errors can quickly destabilize the robot.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
They are meant to destabilize the systems families rely on every day.
—Anabel Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
India alleged insurgents were allowed to use Bangladesh’s soil to destabilize India’s northeastern states under Zia, especially during her second term from 2001-2006.
—CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025
Won’t such a system destabilize the bike if the rider is unprepared for any sudden steering efforts?
—New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
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.
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
They are meant to destabilize the systems families rely on every day.
—Anabel Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
India alleged insurgents were allowed to use Bangladesh’s soil to destabilize India’s northeastern states under Zia, especially during her second term from 2001-2006.
—CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025
Won’t such a system destabilize the bike if the rider is unprepared for any sudden steering efforts?
—New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destabilize
Cite this Entry
“Destabilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destabilize. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share