unbalance

American  

[uhn-bal-uhns] / ʌnˈbæl əns /

verb (used with object)

unbalanced, unbalancing

1. to throw or put out of balance.

2. to disorder or derange, as the mind.

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noun

1. unbalanced condition.

unbalance British  

/ ʌnˈbæləns /

verb

1. to upset the equilibrium or balance of

2. to disturb the mental stability of (a person or his mind)

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noun

1. imbalance or instability

Other Word Forms

• unbalanceable adjective

Etymology

Origin of unbalance

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ² + balance

Example Sentences

“That’s something we need on this team, players that will unbalance defenses and open up gaps to be able to play through teams.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024

Paralluelo's mastery with both feet allowed her to link up play or unbalance defenders.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2023

“He can really unbalance opponents’ defenders and give us that final-third quality that we’ve been maybe lacking before we got him.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2022

"I assure you that we will not allow any kind of provocation to unbalance us."

From Reuters • Mar. 3, 2022

The building shook mightily, with enough force to unbalance several terrified Clock Watchers, toppling them.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles