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

Florida must unsettle Stockton, who had three turnovers during the Auburn loss. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

All of a sudden, the war took on a more present form, unsettling a kingdom unused to conflicts playing out on home turf. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Taken as a whole, the national numbers reveal an electorate that is unsettled, gloomy and likely looking for change. — Ari Pinkus, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

The uncertainty that afflicts others about how to dress for one’s age, one’s job or even the weather doesn’t seem to unsettle this cohort. — The Learning Network, New York Times, 28 Oct. 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