destabilize
verb (used with object)
to make unstable; rid of stabilizing attributes.
was destabilizing
-
past progressiveof destabilize.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The trauma we suffered was destabilizing and healing from it was slow and difficult.
From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2025
Concerned that a majority of justices was destabilizing the Union and could block Reconstruction, Congress changed the number of justices on the court three times in the 1860s.
From New York Times ● Oct. 29, 2021
Its commissioner, Bob Bowlsby, lashed out at the schools and at ESPN, which he believed was helping to orchestrate a raid on his league and was destabilizing it.
From New York Times ● Jul. 30, 2021
Rather, the point was to discourage speculation that Mr. Tobin said was destabilizing foreign-exchange markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2016
The one partial exception was Long-Term Capital, whose failure was destabilizing enough to cause the New York Fed to broker a $3.6 billion rescue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2010
