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

Other than that if they seemed unnerved by the occasion, knowing they were 80 minutes from a history-making treble, they did not seem to show it.

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Whereas some players would be unnerved by the big occasion Farrell, in contrast, thrives off his nerves.

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The star was also in a constant battle with stage fright—a startling admission for a larger-than-life performer with a reputation for spooky, unnerving antics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With its slow pacing, shaky handheld cameras, dishwater cinematography and unnervingly extreme closeups, it feels more like an intense indie drama than a whimsical tale of a robber with a peculiar M.O.

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It’s one of those characterizations that is sympathetic, repellent and consistently unnerving.

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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