unnerve
verb (used with object)
to deprive of courage, strength, determination, or confidence; upset.
have unnerved
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present perfectof unnerve.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
“Frequent and strongly worded verbal interventions by the White House have unnerved futures-market participants,” said Johnston in a Thursday Substack newsletter.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 24, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments Wednesday that fighting “could be six, it could be eight” weeks long may have unnerved oil traders about the length of the war.
From Barron's ● Mar. 5, 2026
This might have unnerved some investors who remained concerned about an uncertain outlook into the end of the year, Brooks said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 1, 2025
Daniel Ek’s investments in AI dronemaker Helsing have unnerved artists.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2025
Such a contingency would completely have unnerved him, so that on the whole it was doubtless the wiser part to leave him respectfully touching his hat on the tender in the Mersey.
From Lady Barbarina The Siege of London, An International Episode and Other Tales by Henry James
