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Unnerve: meaning, definitions and examples

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unnerve

 

[ ˌʌnˈnɜːv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To make someone feel nervous, frightened, or upset, especially when something unexpected happens.

Synonyms

disconcert, disturb, unsettle

Examples of usage

  • He was unnerved by her sudden outburst.
  • The unexpected noise unnerved the entire crowd.
  • The creepy atmosphere unnerved me.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To cause someone to lose confidence or courage.

Synonyms

daunt, rattle, shake

Examples of usage

  • The harsh criticism unnerved him before the performance.
  • Her intimidating presence unnerved the other participants.

Translations

Translations of the word "unnerve" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desnortear

🇮🇳 घबराना

🇩🇪 verunsichern

🇮🇩 menggoyahkan

🇺🇦 нервувати

🇵🇱 wytrącić z równowagi

🇯🇵 不安にさせる

🇫🇷 déstabiliser

🇪🇸 desconcertar

🇹🇷 sinirlendirmek

🇰🇷 불안하게 하다

🇸🇦 يقلق

🇨🇿 znervóznit

🇸🇰 znervózniť

🇨🇳 使不安

🇸🇮 vznemiriti

🇮🇸 rugla

🇰🇿 абыржыту

🇬🇪 აღელვება

🇦🇿 rahatsız etmək

🇲🇽 desconcertar

Etymology

The word 'unnerve' originated from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'nerve' (from Latin 'nervus' meaning 'sinew, tendon, or nerve'). The concept of 'unnerving' someone has been a part of human experience for centuries, as the feeling of being unnerved is deeply rooted in our emotional responses to fear and uncertainty. Over time, 'unnerve' has evolved to describe the action of making someone feel anxious, scared, or uncertain.

See also: unnerving.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,434, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.