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

“This kind of completely unhinged, brutal and horrible reaction is inevitable in the conditions under which we live,” he said.

From Salon

“Trump is dangerous, he’s unhinged,” Jones, 33, said outside his East Point, Ga., polling station.

From Los Angeles Times

She has been correctly describing him as unstable, unhinged and confused.

From Salon

For months, Trump has made unhinged claims about children going to school one gender and coming home another.

From Los Angeles Times

An unhinged 78-year-old man who daily shows signs of losing mental agility.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fluster
• unbalance