unhinge
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to remove (a door or the like) from hinges.
-
to open wide by or as if by removing supporting hinges.
to unhinge one's jaws.
-
to upset; unbalance; disorient; throw into confusion or turmoil.
to unhinge the mind.
-
to dislocate or disrupt the normal operation of; unsettle.
to unhinge plans.
-
to detach or separate from something.
-
to cause to waver or vacillate.
to unhinge supporters of conservative policies.
verb
-
to remove (a door, gate, etc) from its hinges
-
to derange or unbalance (a person, his mind, etc)
-
to disrupt or unsettle (a process or state of affairs)
-
(usually foll by from) to detach or dislodge
Other Word Forms
- unhingement noun
Etymology
Origin of unhinge
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.
When I heard that name, my jaw came unhinged, hanging open like a broken dresser drawer.
From Literature
He exudes an Austin Powers–esque aura that can feel delightfully unhinged.
From Salon
“The rally feels somewhat unhinged, likely surprising even the most bullish market participants with the speed and magnitude of the move,” Joni Teves, strategist at UBS told clients in a note on Wednesday.
From MarketWatch
The entire bit had the loose, slightly unhinged charm that Colbert’s best holiday sketches depend on.
From Salon
But it would’ve felt a touch unhinged to track down your old third-grade teacher two days later and slap a Polaroid of your crudités into her hand like, Look upon my vegetable glory!
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
