unsettle — To make someone feel anxious, uncomfortable, or disturbed. To disrupt the normal state or stability of something.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To make someone feel anxious, uncomfortable, or disturbed. To disrupt the normal state or stability of something.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈsetl/
Example Sentences
- The horror movie was so realistic that it unsettled me for days.
- My cat gets unsettled whenever I rearrange the furniture - she gives me accusatory looks for weeks.
- The unexpected resignation of the CEO unsettled investors and caused stock prices to drop.
unsettle
VERB[/ʌnˈsetl/]
To make someone feel anxious, uncomfortable, or disturbed. To disrupt the normal state or stability of something.
To make someone feel anxious, uncomfortable, or disturbed. To disrupt the normal state or stability of something.
The screaming kettle can unsettle like a sharp nettle!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English, combining the prefix 'un-' with 'settle' (from Old English 'setlan' meaning to place or establish). The word emerged in the 16th century to describe making something that was stable become unstable again.
Breakdown
un- (reversal/opposite) + settle (to make stable or calm) = to disturb or make unstable
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The horror movie was so realistic that it unsettled me for days.”
“My cat gets unsettled whenever I rearrange the furniture - she gives me accusatory looks for weeks.”
“The unexpected resignation of the CEO unsettled investors and caused stock prices to drop.”
“Nothing unsettles my grandmother more than seeing young people use phones at the dinner table.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.