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

In extreme cases, investors might be forced to sell stocks, bonds and other assets to repay their yen-denominated loans, destabilizing markets and driving down prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Peek noted a certain equanimity and optimism in him, however: either a prerequisite for, or product of, his decades of studying the most brutal and destabilizing moments of other people’s lives.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thyssenkrupp said the measures are in response to cheap imports which have destabilized the market for European steel.

From The Wall Street Journal

As an example, adding more surfactants to increase viscosity may actually destabilize the foam because it interferes with Marangoni effects.

From Science Daily

Hiking too slowly could destabilize economic activity and prices, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• diminish
• lessen
• thwart
• undermine