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

When an accident brings the enigmatic Gaia into their lives, unexpected desires begin to take shape, unsettling the careful balance that has long defined their relationship. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026

The centerless nature of Kiely’s grief unsettled him for a time. — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

Gurminder Sangha, vice president of equity and institutional effectiveness at Madera Community College, said the surge of violence has unsettled the community. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

But the question of how the city will pay for police protection remains largely unsettled. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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