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

Nonetheless, Lloyd's production is handsomely realized, with striking silhouetttes courtesy of Jon Clark and unnerving sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, who add a low whirr of dread to the existential fable. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025

There will be many situations that have the potential to unnerve even the most experienced leaders. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

The Sweet Dove Died is a novel that sets clashing unexpected currents in motion to stimulate and unnerve. —Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025

Incompetence has a way of unnerving its witnesses. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025