Dictionary
unnerve
verb un·nerve \-ˈnərv\
: to make (someone) feel afraid or upset and unable to think clearly
Full Definition of UNNERVE
transitive verb
1
: to deprive of courage, strength, or steadiness
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First Known Use of UNNERVE
1601
Related to UNNERVE
- Synonyms
- demoralize, emasculate, paralyze, undo, unman, unstring
- Antonyms
- nerve
Synonym Discussion of UNNERVE
unnerve, enervate, unman, emasculate mean to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action. unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act <unnerved by the near collision>. enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort <a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure>. unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit <a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle>. emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential <an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards>.
Rhymes with UNNERVE
UNNERVING Defined for Kids
unnerve
verb un·nerve \ˌən-ˈnərv\
un·nervedun·nerv·ing
Definition of UNNERVE for Kids
: to cause to lose confidence, courage, or self-control
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