unsettle
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʌnˈsɛtəl/
KK: /ʌnˈsɛtəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become disturbed or anxious; to lose stability or calmness.
Example
After hearing the news, she began to unsettle and couldn't focus on her work.
Tense Forms
Past: unsettled
Past Participle: unsettled
Conversation
I felt a bit unsettle after watching that horror movie last night.
Yeah, those jump scares can really get to you.
Exactly! I couldn't sleep well because of it.
Maybe you should stick to comedies for a while!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disturb
unbalance
disconcert
Antonyms
calm
settle
stabilize
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel anxious or disturbed; to disrupt a state of calm or stability.
Example
The unexpected news began to unsettle her, making it hard to concentrate.
Tense Forms
Past: unsettled
Past Participle: unsettled
Conversation
I felt really unsettled after watching that horror movie last night.
Yeah, those jump scares can really get to you.
I know! It took me a while to calm down after it ended.
Root Explanation
Unsettle → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "settle" (from Old English "setlan", meaning to place or establish). The word "unsettle" means to disturb or disrupt something that has been established or placed.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' being added to 'settle' — this helps you remember that 'unsettle' means to disturb something that was once stable.
Visually Confused Words
unmettle
settle
nettle
undersettle
unnettled
unfettled
unupsettable
unstate