unsettle

[ uhn-set-l ]

verb (used with object)

, un·set·tled, un·set·tling.

1. to alter from a settled state; cause to be no longer firmly fixed or established; render unstable; disturb:

   Violence unsettled the government.

2. to shake or weaken (beliefs, feelings, etc.); cause doubt or uncertainty about:

   doubts unsettling his religious convictions.

   Synonyms: disconcert, confuse, unbalance, disturb, upset

3. to vex or agitate the mind or emotions of; upset; discompose:

   The quarrel unsettled her.

verb (used without object)

, un·set·tled, un·set·tling.

1. to become unfixed or disordered.

unsettle

/ ʌnˈsɛtəl /

verb

1. usually tr to change or become changed from a fixed or settled condition
2. tr to confuse or agitate (emotions, the mind, etc)

Derived Forms

• unˈsettlement, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsettle¹

First recorded in 1535–45; un- ² + settle ¹

Example Sentences

“And to hopefully provide you insights that are going to better equip all of us in understanding these deeply unsettling times.”

From Salon

"Adults might laugh and say, 'Why stress over something like that?' But for us, with such an important test ahead, it can feel unsettling."

From BBC

At his grandmother’s house, Mr Thomas seemed unsettled, the court was told.

From BBC

The character is a funny, if unsettling, mirror who at times — like Archie Bunker before him — earns a degree of empathy.

From Los Angeles Times

With Venice and Telluride over and the Toronto Film Festival wrapping, Times columnist Glenn Whipp looks at an Oscar season that seems delightfully unsettled.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitate
• confuse
• disconcert
• disorganize
• disquiet
• disrupt
• disturb
• perturb
• rattle
• unnerve