unman

[ uhn-man ]

verb (used with object)

, un·manned, un·man·ning.

1. to deprive of courage or fortitude; break down the manly spirit of:

   Constant conflict finally unmanned him.

2. to deprive of virility; emasculate; castrate.

unman

/ ʌnˈmæn /

verb

1. to cause to lose courage or nerve
2. to make effeminate
3. to remove the men from
4. archaic.
   to deprive of human qualities

Word History and Origins

Origin of unman¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + man

Example Sentences

Pennsylvania may not keep a cache of weapons seized from the parents of a g unman who killed one state trooper and permanently disabled another eight years ago, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

From Seattle Times

An American politician who could similarly unman the president would create a lot of enthusiasm.

From Slate

Nor could I dwell on the topic lest it should unman me.

From Time

Hamilton’s farewell letter to his wife said that if he told her in advance what he was about to do, it would “unman” him.

From New York Times

There’s fear, but not the kind of terror that might unman me, might tempt me to hop the fence and run for home.

From Salon

Related Words

• dampen
• daunt
• debilitate
• deject
• disconcert
• discourage
• dishearten
• disorganize
• dispirit
• disturb
• embarrass
• sap
• undermine
• unsettle
• upset
• weaken