destabilize
verb
de·sta·bi·lize (ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz 
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
noun 
Example Sentences
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 There are fears in the West that Russia could encourage Serbia into an armed intervention in northern Kosovo that would further destabilize the Balkans and shift at least some attention from Russia's war in Ukraine. 
Raf Casert, ajc, 18 Aug. 2022 There are fears in the West that Russia could use Serbia to destabilize the Balkans and thus shift at least some attention from its war in Ukraine. Dusan Stojanovic, ajc, 17 Aug. 2022 The show offers a full depiction of how one couple calling it quits can destabilize an entire friend group. Andrea Mandell, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Food inflation, including for staples such as bread and cooking oil, threatened to destabilize some countries and exacerbate famine in some of the world’s poorest regions. Mo Abbas, NBC News, 22 July 2022 Experts have long warned that avalanches are becoming more common as global temperatures rise, saying the warming can destabilize mountain climates and speed the melting of glaciers. Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 4 July 2022 Some observers claim the protesters are seeking to destabilize and overthrow the Lasso government. Fox News, 28 June 2022 This technique is often used by potential abusers to destabilize and control their partners. cleveland, 25 June 2022 Trouble is, dollar rallies that go too far often destabilize other economics. William Pesek, Forbes, 24 June 2022 See More
Raf Casert, ajc, 18 Aug. 2022 There are fears in the West that Russia could use Serbia to destabilize the Balkans and thus shift at least some attention from its war in Ukraine. Dusan Stojanovic, ajc, 17 Aug. 2022 The show offers a full depiction of how one couple calling it quits can destabilize an entire friend group. Andrea Mandell, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Food inflation, including for staples such as bread and cooking oil, threatened to destabilize some countries and exacerbate famine in some of the world’s poorest regions. Mo Abbas, NBC News, 22 July 2022 Experts have long warned that avalanches are becoming more common as global temperatures rise, saying the warming can destabilize mountain climates and speed the melting of glaciers. Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 4 July 2022 Some observers claim the protesters are seeking to destabilize and overthrow the Lasso government. Fox News, 28 June 2022 This technique is often used by potential abusers to destabilize and control their partners. cleveland, 25 June 2022 Trouble is, dollar rallies that go too far often destabilize other economics. William Pesek, Forbes, 24 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1