WordGarden.iounsettle
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnsˈɛtəl/
US
- /ənˈsɛtəl/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone feel uneasy, nervous, or less sure of themselves
to disturb the stability or settled state of something
Beyond the definition
If a spooky story unsettles you, it makes you feel anxious or uneasy. A sudden change in plans can also unsettle someone - think of how a surprise announcement might throw off your carefully made schedule. To unsettle is to disturb someone's peace of mind or sense of stability. It's more than simple annoyance; it suggests a deeper feeling of discomfort or worry. Imagine being in a rocking boat - that is the kind of feeling "unsettle" can suggest.
Sometimes, things that unsettle us are not scary at all. A challenging question might unsettle someone's assumptions and force them to rethink their beliefs. In literature, authors often use unsettling images to create suspense. Think of a gothic novel with creaking doors and shadowy figures, all meant to make the reader feel uneasy.
To unsettle means to disturb someone's composure, confidence, or peace of mind. It's more than just making someone slightly annoyed; it suggests a deeper level of anxiety, discomfort, or worry. For example: "The news of the layoffs unsettled many employees," meaning it caused them significant stress and uncertainty.
Unsettle can be used in both physical and emotional contexts. A bumpy plane ride might unsettle your stomach, while a harsh comment could unsettle you emotionally. It implies a disruption to your usual balance - something that throws things off.
The word often carries a sense of foreboding or unease. Think about a haunted house: the creaking floors and flickering lights are designed to unsettle visitors. Or consider a political climate where unexpected events constantly unsettle public opinion.
You might also use "unsettle" to describe something that challenges established beliefs or assumptions. "The scientist's findings unsettled long-held theories about the universe" suggests that those findings caused people to question what they had previously believed.
So whether it's a physical sensation, an emotional response, or a challenge to your worldview, to unsettle is to disturb stability and create a sense of unease or uncertainty. It's a word that speaks to vulnerability and to the loss of peace.
Examples
- 1
Frightening noise
The strange noise outside unsettled the children.
- 2
Direct question
His blunt question seemed to unsettle her.
- 3
Emotional reaction
I was unsettled by how quiet the room became.
- Patternbe unsettled by + situation
feel disturbed because of it
- 4
Financial markets
The rumor quickly unsettled investors, and shares fell that afternoon.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School change
Moving to a new school can unsettle even confident kids.
- 6
Painful memories
She didn’t mean to unsettle him, but the topic brought back bad memories.
- 7
Unresolved issue
The meeting ended without a clear decision, leaving the whole issue unsettled.
- Patternleave + issue unsettled
leave it not fully decided
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- unsettleverb
Forms
- unsettling-ing formverb
- unsettledpast tenseverb
- unsettlesverb