destabilize

American  

[dee-stey-buh-lahyz] / diˈsteɪ bəˌlaɪz /

especially British, destabilise

verb (used with object)

destabilized, destabilizing

1. to make unstable; rid of stabilizing attributes.

   conflicts that tend to destabilize world peace.

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destabilize British  

/ diːˈsteɪbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to undermine or subvert (a government, economy, etc) so as to cause unrest or collapse

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Other Word Forms

• destabilization noun

Etymology

Origin of destabilize

First recorded in 1930–35; de- + stabilize

Example Sentences

National Security Council, who warned that such a projection of power into the highly contested Horn of Africa could further destabilize the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

Privation and oppression forced more than eight million Venezuelans into exile, destabilizing the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is destabilizing the workforce, straining local economies and pushing up prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

While rich asset owners have plowed money into homes, cars and more, analysts warn stress among lower- and middle-income Americans could destabilize the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cutting rates by too much, too soon, or holding them too high for too long could destabilize the expansion.

From Barron's

Related Words

• diminish
• lessen
• thwart
• undermine