unsettle

/ʌnˈsɛtəl/

Definitions

1. verb

to cause (someone) to feel anxious or apprehensive; to disturb or disquiet (someone) in their thoughts or feelings

“The news of the accident unsettled her entire day.”

2. verb

to cause (a plan, situation, etc.) to become less stable or secure

“The company’s financial troubles began to unsettle the market.”

3. verb

to make (something) less stable or secure; to cause (something) to become unsettled

“The earthquake began to unsettle the foundations of the building.”

4. noun

an instance of causing someone to feel anxious or apprehensive

“Her fears of flying were a constant source of unsettlement.”

Synonyms

  • agitate
  • disquiet
  • disrupt
  • disturb
  • unbalance

Antonyms

  • assure
  • calm
  • reassure
  • soothe
  • stabilize