unhinge

[ uhn-hinj ]

verb (used with object)

, un·hinged, un·hing·ing.

1. to remove (a door or the like) from hinges.
2. to open wide by or as if by removing supporting hinges:

   to unhinge one's jaws.

3. to upset; unbalance; disorient; throw into confusion or turmoil:

   to unhinge the mind.

4. to dislocate or disrupt the normal operation of; unsettle:

   to unhinge plans.

5. to detach or separate from something.
6. to cause to waver or vacillate:

   to unhinge supporters of conservative policies.

unhinge

/ ʌnˈhɪndʒ /

verb

1. to remove (a door, gate, etc) from its hinges
2. to derange or unbalance (a person, his mind, etc)
3. to disrupt or unsettle (a process or state of affairs)
4. usually foll by from to detach or dislodge

Other Words From

• un·hingement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhinge¹

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ² + hinge

Example Sentences

What had started as a small Russian thrust into the tiny town of Ocheretyne was growing into a substantial breakthrough, threatening to unhinge the Ukrainian lines across a broad stretch of the eastern front.

From New York Times

The troubles at Credit Suisse threatened to unhinge Switzerland’s position as a leading financial market, and the takeover left the country with only one internationally important bank: UBS.

From Seattle Times

Snakes can’t really unhinge their jaws, but for some, that doesn’t get in the way of swallowing absurdly large prey.

From New York Times

"The envelopment of these positions and the collapse of this pocket around Lyman may allow - depending on how Ukrainian forces decide to pursue further gains - to unhinge this line and open up potential further advances to the east," she said.

From Reuters

His new self-worth crumbles, though, after a pair of calamities unhinge him, and Jones’ physically masterful, bone-deep turn segues from obnoxious oddball to someone whose internal chemistry seems to be a race between relatable despondency or untouchable nihilism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fluster
• unbalance