unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

Examples of unsettle in a Sentence

Such a sudden change will unsettle her. the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
With a constantly roaming camera, director James Wan uses long takes to cleanly establish each space onscreen; meanwhile, constant zooms and slight compositional shifts perpetually unsettle the audience. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Shanghai Fashion Week showed resilience in the face of unsettling economic headwinds. Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 The direction, established by pilot helmer Adam Bernstein, is at first effective in establishing an eerie, unsettling mood, as in Eli’s graphic nightmares about splattering into an empty swimming pool. Alison Herman, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024 Both countries have been unsettled in recent months by high-profile murders in which migrants were identified as suspects, and by a surge in support for far-right parties. Rob Picheta, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsettle 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettle was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near unsettle

Cite this Entry

“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb
un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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