unsettle

[uhn-set-l]

verb (used with object)

unsettled, unsettling 

1. to alter from a settled state; cause to be no longer firmly fixed or established; render unstable; disturb.

   Violence unsettled the government.

2. to shake or weaken (beliefs, feelings, etc.); cause doubt or uncertainty about.

   doubts unsettling his religious convictions.

   Synonyms: disconcert, confuse, unbalance, disturb, upset

3. to vex or agitate the mind or emotions of; upset; discompose.

   The quarrel unsettled her.

verb (used without object)

unsettled, unsettling 

1. to become unfixed or disordered.

unsettle

/ ʌnˈsɛtəl /

verb

1. (usually tr) to change or become changed from a fixed or settled condition

2. (tr) to confuse or agitate (emotions, the mind, etc)

Other Word Forms

• unsettlement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsettle¹

First recorded in 1535–45; un- ² + settle ¹

Example Sentences

That’s the unsettling possibility described in a groundbreaking new study published recently in the journal Geosphere.

From Los Angeles Times

He isn't misunderstood because he behaves badly; he's misunderstood because his existence unsettles old certainties about who gets to define respect.

From BBC

No doubt the unsettling parallel cut too close to the bone in MAGA-world.

From Salon

In an area of low pressure the weather is often unsettled.

From BBC

After a very unsettled weekend with Storm Amy bringing strong winds and heavy rain, the weather at the start of next week does look a little quieter.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitate 
• confuse 
• disconcert 
• disorganize 
• disquiet 
• disrupt 
• disturb 
• perturb 
• rattle 
• unnerve