unnerve

[ uhn-nurv ]

verb (used with object)

, un·nerved, un·nerv·ing.

1. to deprive of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; upset:

   Fear unnerved him.

unnerve

/ ʌnˈnɜːv /

verb

1. tr to cause to lose courage, strength, confidence, self-control, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of unnerve¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + nerve

Example Sentences

He is known mainly for drawings of nudes and semi-nudes that can be unnervingly explicit, and he often appears in his own work.

From New York Times

Seeing how easily Elphaba’s good nature is twisted to fit the agenda of those who seek uniformity and total control is unnervingly parallel to the racist rhetoric so often parroted by conservative mouthpieces.

From Salon

The episodes unfold with the thrilling speed and sense of unnerving propulsion, but there’s also space for the audience to better understand what drives the assassin and the spy who’s looking for him.

From Los Angeles Times

“Madame President” would be a new thing for America and it’s reasonable to assume that while many voters love the idea, some find the novelty a little unnerving.

From BBC

It's unnerving when she slams her hands against a table and storms out.

From Salon

Related Words

• agitate
• bewilder
• chill
• confound
• daunt
• demoralize
• disconcert
• discourage
• dishearten
• dismay
• dispirit
• distract
• fluster
• frighten
• perturb
• rattle
• sap
• shake
• undermine
• unsettle