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

• 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

The real impact of tariffs – if they are actually implemented – would not likely be large enough to unhinge the massive Treasury bond market. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

The first meeting this season between the Padres and Dodgers was unhinged from the start. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025

Run by ex-party girl Wendy, unhinged chef Milius, and odd busboy Willard, this Fresno greasy spoon must overcome unpaid bills and a once-in-a-lifetime volcanic eruption. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025

In the team meeting at the top of NCAA Tournament week, Weekly rolls a montage of the Lady Vols hollering and smiling and acting generally unhinged during games. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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