Main Entry:

un·nerve

Pronunciation:

\-ˈnərv\

Function:

transitive verb

Date:

1601

1 : to deprive of courage, strength, or steadiness 2 : to cause to become nervous : upset

— un·nerv·ing·ly \-ˈnər-viŋ-lē\ adverb

synonyms unnerve, enervate, unman, emasculate mean to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action. unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act <unnerved by the near collision>. enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort <a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure>. unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit <a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle>. emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential <an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards>.