unhinge

verb

un·​hinge ˌən-ˈhinj How to pronounce unhinge (audio)
unhinged; unhinging; unhinges

transitive verb

1
: to make unstable : unsettle, disrupt
unhinge the balance of world peace
pressure that would unhinge a less experienced person
2
: to remove from the hinges
unhinge a door

Examples of unhinge in a Sentence

the endless harassment by the guards completely unhinged the prisoners of war I was momentarily unhinged by the unexpected question.
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.
Monroe plays Lee with a certain steadfast restraint, keeping her emotions shielded until the film’s terrifying plot strips that shield away bit by bit, and Cage is … well, he’s unhinged in all the best ways. Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 July 2024 The next clip in the montage shows a backyard patio roof coming unhinged in a downpour. Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 What began 40 years ago as a very fringe, occasionally unhinged, wholly unfiltered fashion-palooza is now—not unlike many Parisian houses, and the industry at large—facing a time of transition. Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2024 So that felt like an interesting mix of sweet, but unhinged, as well. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unhinge 

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unhinge was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near unhinge

Cite this Entry

“Unhinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhinge. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unhinge

verb
un·​hinge ˌən-ˈhinj How to pronounce unhinge (audio)
1
: unsettle sense 2, disrupt
a mind unhinged by grief
2
: to remove (as a door) from the hinges

More from Merriam-Webster on unhinge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!