Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

destabilize

 - 2 dictionary results

de⋅sta⋅bi⋅lize

  [dee-stey-buh-lahyz]
Use destabilize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -lized, -liz⋅ing.
to make unstable; rid of stabilizing attributes: conflicts that tend to destabilize world peace.
Also, especially British, de⋅sta⋅bi⋅lise.

Origin:
1930–35; de- + stabilize

Related forms:
de⋅sta⋅bi⋅li⋅za⋅tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To destabilize
de·sta·bi·lize   (dē-stā'bə-līz')   
tr.v.   de·sta·bi·lized, de·sta·bi·liz·ing, de·sta·bi·liz·es

  1. To upset the stability or smooth functioning of: a policy that threatens to destabilize the economy; a new weapon that threatens to destabilize nuclear deterrence.

  2. To undermine the power of (a government or leader) by subversive or terrorist acts.

de·sta'bi·li·za'tion (-lĭ-zā'shən) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see destabilize on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way