destabilize

/ˌdiːˈsteɪbəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdiːˈsteɪbəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)dē-ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz/ (ame, mw)

destabilize — verb

  • destabilizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • destabilizeshe / she / it
  • destabilizedpast simple
  • destabilizing-ing form

1. to create disorder or uncertainty in a system, organization, or situation, makin

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to create disorder or uncertainty in a system, organization, or situation, making it weak and unable to work normally

例句

Chidi warned that cutting military funding could destabilize the newly formed government.

destabilize + government (political system as object)

The sudden rise in grain prices threatened to destabilize the entire regional economy.

同義詞
  • undermine

    suggests gradual or secret weakening, often deliberate

  • disrupt

    focuses on interrupting normal functioning rather than structural collapse

  • weaken

    broader, less specific to systems and institutions

  • unsettle

    more about creating anxiety or uncertainty than structural damage

反義詞
  • stabilize

    direct opposite — to make steady and secure

  • strengthen

    broader — to make something stronger, not just stable

文法句型

destabilize + noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is typically a large-scale system or institution — a government, economy, market, region, or political process. Not used for personal relationships or small groups.

常見錯誤

❌The argument destabilized their friendship.
✅The argument damaged their friendship.
💡'destabilize' refers to large-scale systems, not personal relationships.
❌The company destabilized after the CEO left.
✅The company was destabilized after the CEO left.
💡'destabilize' is almost always transitive; use the passive voice for the affected entity as subject.