Synonyms

unnerve

American

[uhn-nurv] / ʌnˈnɜrv /

verb (used with object)

unnerved, unnerving

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

Fear unnerved him.

unnerve British

/ ʌnˈnɜːv /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unnerve

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

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.

While analysts said there’s still no sign that U.S. airlines are seeing any signs of demand destruction, how long that can last as the Middle East conflict escalates is what’s unnerving investors.

From MarketWatch

Energy turmoil could unnerve investors already worried about how much tech companies are spending on data centers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday said that fighting “could be six, it could be eight” weeks long, which may have unnerved oil traders about the length of the war.

From Barron's

Concerns about a protracted conflict, potentially lasting six to eight weeks, are unnerving traders and could further raise oil prices.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023