Synonyms of unman

unman

verb

ˌən-ˈman 

1

as in to paralyze

to deprive of courage or confidence

the near crash of the airliner was a completely unmanning experience for the passengers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paralyze
• frighten
• terrify
• intimidate
• scare
• emasculate
• unnerve
• unsettle
• undo
• demoralize
• unstring
• weaken
• debilitate
• waste
• enfeeble
• enervate
• neuter
• disturb
• sap
• discourage
• terrorize
• soften
• dispirit
• dishearten
• daunt
• derange
• upset
• prostrate
• unbalance
• tire
• unhinge
• perturb
• psych (out)
• discompose
• faze
• dismay
• disquiet
• madden
• craze
• weird out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nerve
• strengthen
• fortify
• encourage
• hearten
• embolden

2

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of

players who wouldn't let themselves be unmanned by the loss of a single game

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discourage
• frustrate
• daunt
• frighten
• dispirit
• intimidate
• dishearten
• unnerve
• scare
• cow
• demoralize
• bother
• afflict
• throw cold water on
• bully
• chill
• distress
• dismay
• browbeat
• worry
• horrify
• trouble
• try
• weigh
• weaken
• undermine
• depress
• sadden
• vex
• deaden
• debilitate
• irk
• enfeeble
• damp
• dampen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• steel
• nerve
• encourage
• cheer
• hearten
• enforce
• animate
• embolden
• enliven
• strengthen
• assure
• reinforce
• fortify
• gladden
• reassure
• buoy (up)
• provoke
• invigorate
• stimulate
• excite
• lift
• stir
• inspire
• quicken
• energize
• rally
• boost
• galvanize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unman differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unman are emasculate, enervate, and unnerve. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

In what contexts can emasculate take the place of unman?

The words emasculate and unman are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Where would enervate be a reasonable alternative to unman?

The words enervate and unman can be used in similar contexts, but enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

When is it sensible to use unnerve instead of unman?

While in some cases nearly identical to unman, unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision