unsettle
verb
un·set·tle
ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl 
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles
1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose
: to become unsettled
Examples of unsettle in a Sentence
Such a sudden change will unsettle her.
the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers
Recent Examples on the Web
Since taking the helm in 2018, Powell has steered the Fed through a litany of challenges, such as an economic crisis sowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a historic bout of high inflation, and now, an erratic global trade war that has unsettled decision-makers across the world.
—
Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
But also recognize that sometimes our most significant relationship growth comes through moments that initially unsettle us.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Indeed, polls consistently indicate that many European voters are skeptical of, unsettled by or outright hostile to the American president.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 21 May 2025
With the defense still unsettled, Messi threaded a need to find Luis Suárez at the edge of the box.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsettle
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Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
But also recognize that sometimes our most significant relationship growth comes through moments that initially unsettle us.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Indeed, polls consistently indicate that many European voters are skeptical of, unsettled by or outright hostile to the American president.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 21 May 2025
With the defense still unsettled, Messi threaded a need to find Luis Suárez at the edge of the box.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsettle
Cite this Entry
“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsettle
verb
un·set·tle
ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him
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