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

The silence from the club appears to reflect a regrettable episode in which Edu’s appointment unsettled then-coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked last September. — James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

As the High Holy Days approach, rabbis in the United States say their congregations are deeply unsettled by antisemitic threats and aware of sharp divisions in their own communities. — David Crary, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Wolverines have a wide physical advantage, but makeup of the offensive line is unsettled and QB Bryce Underwood hasn't run Jason Beck's offense in a game. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026

Lin said recent restrictions affecting mainland investors’ access to offshore brokerages in Hong Kong had particularly unsettled some clients. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 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