verb

destabilise

to destabilize, to make unstable

The news could destabilise the government.

The news could destabilize the government.

A sudden change will destabilise the system.

A sudden change will destabilize the system.

((sth.)) to make (sth.) unstable The news could destabilize the government.

Synonyms: undermine, weaken, upset; Antonyms: stabilize, strengthen

From the prefix 'de-' (opposite of) + 'stable' + '-ise' (verb-forming suffix). Literally 'to make not stable'.

Think 'de-stable-ise' – to take away stability. This is the British spelling; the American spelling is 'destabilize'.

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