verb
destabilize
dee-STAY-bih-lyz
verb
1
To make something, especially a government or region, unstable or unsettled.
"The coup attempted to destabilize the region."
"Fake news can destabilize public trust in institutions."
How to Use Destabilize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo upset the balance or stability of something, often a government, economy, or situation.
Common pairings
destabilize the region
destabilize a government
politically destabilizing
Word Forms
destabilized past tense, destabilizes singular
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The coup attempted to _____ the region.
Etymology
From de- ("reverse of") plus stabilize.