unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl 

unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1

: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder

A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.

2

: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.

intransitive verb

: to become unsettled

Synonyms of unsettle

• disturb
• distract
• bother
• alarm
• worry
• concern
• agitate

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

Monday in Philadelphia stays cool and unsettled, with the front stalled just south of the region and scattered rain chances, especially across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware. — Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Man is an unknowable creature, and few things unsettle it more than forcing it to live within its mystery. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026

Scorpio October 23 – November 21 A quiet realization could explain why something at home has felt unsettled. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026

Only center is unsettled, with John Michael Schmitz playing n the final year of his contract. — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unsettle

• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• petal
• setal
• settle
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal

Kids 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