Definitions

unnerve

[uhn-nurv] / ʌnˈnɜrv /

VERB

upset, intimidate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate bewilder chill confound daunt demoralize disconcert discourage dishearten dismay dispirit distract fluster frighten perturb rattle sap shake undermine unsettle weaken

STRONG

buffalo disarm discombobulate enervate enfeeble floor needle ride spook throw unhinge

WEAK

bowl over get to give a turn psych out throw off uncalm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm clarify clear up comfort encourage explain hearten help incite inspirit placate settle soothe strengthen

WEAK

nerve steel

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.

Amazon’s expansion of its logistics business tends to unnerve investors.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Treacy at Apex sees any change in the Fed’s language around the risk of inflation due to geopolitical conflict as likely to unnerve investors.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

“A conflict like this has the clear potential to unnerve international businesses operating in the Gulf,” said Michael Ratney, who served as U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the Biden administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

The philosophy is that endless white walls can unnerve patients, while colour can be a pleasant distraction from their problems.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Curtains swing idly from broken windows in the strange, flickering light; they unnerve him.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Vocabulary lists containing unnerve

This Week in Words: January 5 - 11, 2019

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Grown

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!