destabilise
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To make something unstable; to undermine the stability, security, or functioning of a system, government, or situation.
- Verb (intransitive):
- To become unstable; to lose stability.
Usage
- As a transitive verb, "destabilise" takes a direct object (e.g., destabilise ). It describes an action that causes instability.
- As an intransitive verb, it is used without a direct object to describe the process of a system losing stability on its own.
Examples
- Transitive usage:
- The constant protests threatened to destabilise the newly elected government.
- Introducing a foreign species can destabilise the local ecosystem.
- Intransitive usage:
- Without strong leadership, the region could destabilise quickly.
- Markets often destabilise during periods of political uncertainty.
Advanced Usage
- In geopolitical contexts: Often used to describe actions that weaken a political regime or country.
- The covert operation aimed to destabilise the adversary's economy.
- In scientific/technical contexts: Can describe interfering with a physical or chemical state.
- The added weight destabilised the aircraft's flight path.
Variants and Related Words
- Destabilisation (noun, chiefly British English): The process of making something unstable.
- The destabilisation of the government led to chaos.
- Destabilize (verb, chiefly American English spelling): The American English spelling of "destabilise".
- Stabilise (verb, antonym): To make or become stable.
Synonyms
- Undermine: To weaken or impair, especially gradually or insidiously.
- Weaken: To reduce the strength or stability of.
- Disrupt: To interrupt the normal course or unity of.
- Shake: To undermine confidence in; to unsettle.
Antonyms
- Stabilise: To make stable, steadfast, or firm.
- Strengthen: To make stronger.
- Secure: To make safe or firm.
Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations
- Destabilise a regime/government: To cause a ruling authority to lose power or control.
- Destabilise the market/economy: To cause financial or economic instability.
- Destabilise a relationship: To introduce elements that cause conflict or uncertainty in a personal or professional relationship.
Verb
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make unstable
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Terrorism destabilized the government
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become unstable
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The economy destabilized rapidly
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