Unsettle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unsettle
[สnหsษt(ษ)l ]
Definitions
feeling of uncertainty
To unsettle means to make someone feel uncertain, anxious, or disturbed. It can also refer to causing someone to feel uncomfortable or out of place.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unsettle |
Used to describe a situation or information that causes someone to feel anxious or uncomfortable. Often used in contexts where stability or peace of mind is disrupted.
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| disturb |
Used when talking about something that interrupts peace, order, or causes mental or emotional distress. Can also mean physical interruption.
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| upset |
Typically used when someone feels emotional distress or sadness. It can also refer to physical disturbance or disorder.
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| disquiet |
A more formal term that refers to a feeling of anxiety or worry, typically used in writing or speech to describe a state of unease.
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Examples of usage
- His sudden departure unsettled his colleagues.
- The unexpected news unsettled her.
disturb the peace
To unsettle can also mean to disturb the peace or stability of a situation. It can refer to creating chaos or disruption.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The arrival of the protestors unsettled the otherwise peaceful event.
- The economic crisis unsettled the stability of the country.
unsettled feeling
As a noun, unsettle refers to a feeling of uncertainty or unease.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unsettle |
Use this when you want to describe something that disturbs someone's peace of mind or makes them feel uneasy. Often used for situations that create confusion or disrupt the normal state.
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| unease |
Use this for a state of restlessness or slight worry, often due to something that is not quite right or a feeling that something bad might happen.
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| discomfort |
This word is suitable when describing a physical or emotional state of slight pain, awkwardness, or embarrassment. It is generally mild compared to other terms on this list.
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| anxiety |
This word is best when referring to a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Often used in a medical or psychological context.
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Examples of usage
- She couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that something was wrong.
- The constant changes in the company created an atmosphere of unsettle among the employees.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling unsettled can be a natural response to uncertainty or change, signaling the brain to reassess situations.
- An unsettled feeling can prompt creativity, as it often encourages individuals to think outside the box.
- Mental health experts suggest that recognizing feelings of unsettlement can lead to better coping strategies.
Pop Culture
- Unsettling themes are common in horror and suspense films, aiming to provoke feelings of anxiety or anticipation.
- Songs often capture the feeling of being unsettled, using lyrics and melodies to convey emotional upheaval.
- Characters in literature frequently experience unsettlement, serving as a catalyst for their development or the storyโs plot.
Literature
- In literature, an unsettling atmosphere often enhances the emotional depth of a narrative, drawing readers into the protagonist's turmoil.
- Classic novels, such as 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, explore the unsettling consequences of unchecked ambition and moral dilemmas.
- Poets like Sylvia Plath use unsettling imagery to evoke deep psychological states, reflecting personal and societal anxieties.
Origin of 'unsettle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'unsetlan', meaning to remove or displace.
- It combines the prefix 'un-', meaning not, with 'settle', which means to fix or stabilize.
- Related verbs include disquiet and disturb, which also imply a lack of peace.
The word 'unsettle' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'settle' meaning 'to establish in a comfortable, peaceful, or stable state'. The concept of 'unsettling' has been present throughout history in various contexts, from unsettling events that disrupt peace to unsettling feelings of unease or discomfort. The word continues to be used in modern language to describe situations or feelings that cause disturbance or uncertainty.
See also: resettle, resettlement, settled, settlement, settler, settlers, unsettled, unsettling.