Synonyms of unnerve

unnerve

verb

ˌən-ˈnərv 

1

as in to paralyze

to deprive of courage or confidence

the riding accident so unnerved me that for a while I was afraid to get back on a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of

a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unnerve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unnerve are emasculate, enervate, and unman. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

When can emasculate be used instead of unnerve?

In some situations, the words emasculate and unnerve are roughly equivalent. However, 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 unnerve?

The words enervate and unnerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 unman a more appropriate choice than unnerve?

The synonyms unman and unnerve are sometimes interchangeable, but unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unnerve

The new administration’s unorthodox business policies — plus questions about the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate thinking — have unnerved many business owners and corporate executives. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025

The character’s defiant self-possession would unnerve even a more contemporary patriarchy, and challenge family dynamics in any era. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025

Dealt with unnerving subtlety, the final blow is one of Scorsese’s most devastating character executions. —Elle Carroll, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025

But analysts have said Trump’s aggressive campaign to browbeat Powell into backing rate cuts could jeopardize the Fed’s autonomy and unnerve markets. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025