unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈse-tᵊl 

unsettled; unsettling; unsettles

transitive verb

1

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

A mild aftershock unsettled several more structures.

2

: to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose

Such a sudden change will only unsettle her.

intransitive verb

: to become unsettled

Synonyms of unsettle

• disturb
• distract
• bother
• alarm
• worry
• concern
• agitate

Examples of unsettle in a Sentence

Such a sudden change will unsettle her.

the news that the local grocery store had sold contaminated produce unsettled many shoppers

Recent Examples on the Web

The war unsettled the region, paved the way for the rise of ISIS, and triggered a cascade of violence that continues to this day. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

When police spoke to Miller’s friends and family, several individuals mentioned feeling odd or unsettled about Randolph and Miller’s interactions. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

Then came the ‘70s and a spate of often schlocky but still unsettling films that married the two notions. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Monday in Philadelphia stays cool and unsettled, with the front stalled just south of the region and scattered rain chances, especially across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware. — Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unsettle

• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• petal
• setal
• settle
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal

Kids Definition

unsettle

verb

un·​set·​tle ˌən-ˈset-ᵊl 

ˈən-

1

: to move or loosen from a settled state

2

: to make uneasy

change unsettles him