Need another word for Unnerve? Use these synonyms of Unnerve from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
intimidate
frighten
unsettle
disturb
disconcert
rattle
shake
unman
enfeeble
weaken
demoralize
dishearten
daunt
cow
bully
browbeat
harass
torment
persecute
perturb
trouble
worry
vex
irk
annoy
plague
bedevil
haunt
taunt
tease
badger
hound
dismay
appall
horrify
terrify
scare
shock
startle
stun
stupefy
paralyze
cripple
incapacitate
debilitate
enervate
exhaust
drain
sap
prostrate
devastate
demolish
shatter
crush
overwhelm
overawe
overpower
overcome
overbear
overmaster
Meaning of Unnerve
The primary meaning of the word "Unnerve" is to make someone feel nervous or frightened, often affecting their confidence or ability to act.
Definitions
- To cause someone to feel nervous or frightened, often affecting their confidence or ability to act
- To deprive someone of their strength or courage, making them feel weak or helpless
- To make someone feel anxious or uneasy, often affecting their ability to think clearly or make decisions
Etymology of Unnerve
The word "Unnerve" originated in the mid-17th century, derived from the Old French word "enervier," meaning "to weaken" or "to deprive of strength"
The word is also related to the Latin word "nervus," meaning "sinew" or "nerve," and the prefix "un-," which indicates a removal or deprivation of something
Historically, the word "Unnerve" was used to describe the act of cutting or severing a nerve, thereby weakening or disabling someone or something
Example Uses
- The news of the accident unnerved her, making her too afraid to drive
- The thought of public speaking unnerves me, making my hands shake and my voice tremble
- The intimidating atmosphere of the courtroom unnerved the witness, causing her to become flustered and forgetful