unsettle

un·set·tle

verb \ˌən-ˈse-t^əl\

Definition of UNSETTLE

transitive verb

1

: to loosen or move from a settled state or condition : make unstable : disorder

2

: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

intransitive verb

: to become unsettled

Examples of UNSETTLE

1. Such a sudden change will unsettle her.
2. <the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers>

First Known Use of UNSETTLE

1598

Related to UNSETTLE

Synonyms: agitate, ail, alarm (also alarum), bother, concern, derail, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distemper, distract, distress, exercise, flurry, frazzle, freak (out), fuss, hagride, perturb, undo, unhinge, disturb, upset, weird out, worry

Antonyms: calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Related Words: aggravate, anger, annoy, bug, chafe, chivy (or chivvy), exasperate, fret, gall, get, grate, harass, harry, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put off, put out, rile, vex; bedevil, haunt, plague; abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, jar, mortify, nonplus, rattle, shake up; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, unnerve

Near Antonyms: allay, alleviate, assuage; appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate

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Rhymes with UNSETTLE

bimetal, gunmetal, nonmetal, teakettle