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.
Global markets are unsettled by the ongoing trade war and fear a recession is looming as a result. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 This westward push has deeply unsettled continental Europe, which has traditionally relied on the United States, the most powerful NATO member, to contain Russian aggression. Raul Elizalde, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 In addition to unsettling the utility industry, PURA’s decision in the Aquarion case revealed a rift between Gillett and her two fellow commissioners. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025 Lukashenko suggested that the deal, which seems to have become a cornerstone of Trump's Ukraine strategy, may unsettle the Kremlin. David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Mar. 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 20 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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