unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1
: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder
2
: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The current economic outlook feels unsettled. Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The young man’s beauty, musical talents, and athletic prowess, however, belie volatile currents of desire and rage, which will eventually scandalize the community and unsettle Priscilla and Diamond’s faiths. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 If United play directly into Mbeumo on the right flank and use him as the outlet on the counter, the former Brentford forward could unsettle City. Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 Kirk assassination angers and unsettles leaders, residents The assassination of Kirk, which happened in front of hundreds of people and was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has in particular rattled the nation and drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsettle

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsettle was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb
un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl How to pronounce unsettle (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to move or loosen from a settled state
2
: to make uneasy
change unsettles him

More from Merriam-Webster on unsettle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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