unhinge

verb

un·​hinge ˌən-ˈhinj 

unhinged; unhinging; unhinges

transitive verb

1

: to make unstable : unsettle, disrupt

unhinge the balance of world peace

pressure that would unhinge a less experienced person

2

: to remove from the hinges

unhinge a door

Synonyms of unhinge

• disturb
• distract
• unsettle
• bother
• derange
• unbalance
• confuse
• frenzy
• upset
• annoy

Examples of unhinge in a Sentence

the endless harassment by the guards completely unhinged the prisoners of war

I was momentarily unhinged by the unexpected question.

Recent Examples on the Web

Southern Gothic — an increasingly popular genre — revels in decay, toxic nostalgia and the unhinged. — Lo Patrick, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Even in her exaggerated innocence, there’s something delightfully unhinged about her. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026

Unfortunately, neighbor Sandy (Kelsey Pribilski) is unhinged and has some opinions about Sarah’s potential changes to the property, and things get dark quickly. — William Earl, Variety, 23 June 2026

Others’ unhinged ignorance can be fun. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unhinge

• impinge
• infringe
• syringe
• binge
• cringe
• fringe
• hinge
• singe
• tinge
• twinge

Kids Definition

unhinge

verb

un·​hinge ˌən-ˈhinj 

1

: unsettle sense 2, disrupt

a mind unhinged by grief

2

: to remove (as a door) from the hinges