To make something unstable or less stable; to undermine the stability of a system, structure, or situation. Often used in political, economic, or scientific contexts.
Formed from 'de-' (reversal) + 'stabilize', which comes from Latin 'stabilis' meaning 'firm, steady' (from 'stare' meaning 'to stand'). The term emerged in the mid-20th century, initially in political and military contexts during the Cold War era.
The root 'stare' (to stand) connects destabilize to words like 'statue', 'establish', and even 'restaurant' (a place where you're restored to standing). When you destabilize something, you're literally making it unable to 'stand' properly!
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