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

Critics say the strikes amount to extrajudicial killings and are unnerving U.S. allies who are increasingly wary of sharing intelligence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In Perth, he was uneasy, perhaps unnerved in the spotlight.

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Rivals sometimes embrace unorthodox approaches, Popple says, conducting hourslong interview sessions that can include questions aimed at unnerving candidates—What was your kindergarten report card like?

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“Dissociative” is a decent descriptor for Isella’s music, too — disorienting, unnerving, drawing out emotions you might not understand.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was unnerving to be so out of touch.

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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