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 sense of uncertainty is particularly strong in places where political instability can suddenly unsettle one’s sense of home, values and economic security. Gregor Nassief, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Trump's rapprochement with Russia has nonetheless unsettled America's historic allies in Europe. Jill Lawless and Aamer Madhani The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025 This unprecedented stream of executive orders and memorandums is unsettling Washington households as people scramble to determine whether their jobs and livelihoods are safe. Emily Peck, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025 Often, Newcastle have unsettled Liverpool with their early intensity and have sometimes taken the lead, only to tire and end up being picked off. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsettle. Accessed 9 Mar. 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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