unnerve
gb/ʌnˈɚv/ us/ʌnˈɚv/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
C1
action
1
make someone lose confidence
To make someone feel nervous and less confident.
Usage pattern:
[something] unnerves [someone]; [someone] is unnerved by [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use it as intransitive (*"I unnerved"*). It is usually transitive (something unnerves someone) or used in the passive (be unnerved by).
Synonyms
rattle (More informal; often suggests surprising someone into losing composure.)
|
unsettle (Often milder; suggests making someone feel unsure or uncomfortable.)
|
intimidate (Focuses more on fear or being overpowered than on loss of composure.)
Antonyms
reassure (Gives confidence and reduces anxiety.)
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calm (Helps someone feel relaxed and steady.)
Collocations
deeply unnerved
|visibly unnerved
|slightly unnerved
|completely unnerved
|unnerve someone
|unnerve the opposition
|unnerve the audience
|be unnerved by a comment
|be unnerved by silence
|be unnerved by the situation
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|communication
Examples
- The aggressive questioning unnerved her during the interview.
- He was unnerved by the sudden silence in the room.
- The stranger’s stare unnerved me, so I crossed the street.
Learner examples
- Loud noises unnerve me.
- She was unnerved by his angry voice.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unnerve
IPA
GB/ʌnˈɚv/
US/ʌnˈɚv/
Syllables & stress
un - nerve (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nerve)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: unnerve
- 3rd Person Singular: unnerves
- Present Participle: unnerving
- Past: unnerved
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.