Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for unnerve. Search instead for unnerves.
Definitions

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

If Musk moves ahead with the idea, much of that $35 billion could come from his Tesla stake, which would unnerve investors for a while.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Some investors said that replacing Reeves now could unnerve financial markets.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

These things, in conjunction with the wild work we have in hand, help to unnerve a man.”

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.