unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nevertheless, as alarmingly berserk entrapment scenarios go, Jeffrey’s feature is vivid in terms of both unsettling atmosphere and visceral action. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025 This unsettling trend extends beyond Boston, and the elite halls of Harvard. Chris Westfall, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Adam Scott reveals unsettling note Aubrey Plaza passed him after his first Parks and Rec table read Plaza was slated to present at last night's Golden Globes, but was ultimately not in attendance. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025 Just look at what happened to Spencer Torkelson last season for unsettling proof. Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unsettle 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettle was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near unsettle

Cite this Entry

“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb
un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!