unnerve

[uhn-nurv] / ʌnˈnɜrv /

VERB

upset, intimidate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate bewilder chill confound daunt demoralize disconcert discourage dishearten dismay dispirit distract fluster frighten perturb rattle sap shake undermine unsettle weaken

STRONG

buffalo disarm discombobulate enervate enfeeble floor needle ride spook throw unhinge

WEAK

bowl over get to give a turn psych out throw off uncalm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm clarify clear up comfort encourage explain hearten help incite inspirit placate settle soothe strengthen

WEAK

nerve steel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Treacy at Apex sees any change in the Fed’s language around the risk of inflation due to geopolitical conflict as likely to unnerve investors.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Energy turmoil could unnerve investors already worried about how much tech companies are spending on data centers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

There could be production or sales hiccups that unnerve investors.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

The philosophy is that endless white walls can unnerve patients, while colour can be a pleasant distraction from their problems.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Some came in the form of headlines that would unnerve any parent concerned about where his college-age children are going to fit in.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman

unnerve

Example Sentences

Related Words