unnerve

[uhn-nurv]

verb (used with object)

unnerved, unnerving 

1. to deprive of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; upset.

   Fear unnerved him.

unnerve

/ ʌnˈnɜːv /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to lose courage, strength, confidence, self-control, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of unnerve¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + nerve

Example Sentences

With its slow pacing, shaky handheld cameras, dishwater cinematography and unnervingly extreme closeups, it feels more like an intense indie drama than a whimsical tale of a robber with a peculiar M.O.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s one of those characterizations that is sympathetic, repellent and consistently unnerving.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Officers then moved her to a high-security facility, where she was unnerved by the routine strip searches, and stunned to be placed in the same block as convicted murderers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It's really unnerving being here and obviously I'm not sure who is around me. I'm worried about my bag, I'm worried about my phone," she said.

Read more on BBC

She also notes that AI messages can be emotionally sterile and make communication feel scripted, which can be unnerving to receive.

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Related Words

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