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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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unnerve

Unnerve is often used when something makes someone lose their courage or confidence. It's about causing someone to feel nervous or unsure.

  • The sudden noise in the dark alley unnerved her.
  • The prospect of speaking in front of a large audience can unnerve even the most confident people.
unsettle

Unsettle is used when something creates a feeling of unease or discomfort, often by disrupting what is expected or causing uncertainty.

  • The strange noises in the night unsettled me.
  • The sudden change in plans unsettled the entire group.
disturb

Disturb can be used in various situations where something interrupts peace, order, or normalcy, often causing anxiety or worry.

  • The loud music from the neighbor's party disturbed my sleep.
  • I didn’t want to disturb you, so I waited until you were free.
disconcert

Disconcert is typically used when something causes confusion or makes someone feel uneasy. It can also imply mild annoyance or embarrassment.

  • Her unexpected question disconcerted the speaker.
  • The constant changes in schedule were beginning to disconcert the team.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unnerve

As this word was already described, the context remains the same.

  • Seeing the accident scene unnerved me.
  • The sudden drop in stock prices unnerved the investors.
rattle

Use this word when referring to something that makes someone feel nervous or worried, often causing them to lose their composure or focus.

  • Her unexpected appearance rattled him during the presentation.
  • The loud thunderstorm rattled the children.
shake

This word is often used to describe a situation or event that deeply disturbs someone, making them feel unsettled. It can also describe intense physical reactions to fear or chills.

  • The tragic news shook the entire community.
  • He was so scared that his hands were visibly shaking.
daunt

This word is best used when referring to something that intimidates or overwhelms someone, often to the point of discouragement.

  • The steep mountain trail did not daunt the experienced hikers.
  • The complexity of the project could daunt any novice programmer.

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.