|ən+ verb
Etymology: un- (II) + settle
transitive verb
1. : to unfix or loosen from a settled state : displace
a lusty shock … unsettled another rock up the mountain — Burtt Evans
2. : to force or move from a quiet or settled condition : disturb
the heavy diet unsettles his stomach
this theory, though intended to strengthen the foundations of government, altogether unsettles them — T.B.Macaulay
major strikes could unsettle 1959 economy — News Front
3.
a. : to cause to be doubtful or uncertain : upset
new trends unsettle old beliefs and opinions
to unsettle the traditional notion — F.R.Leavis
the cold war has unsettled the minds of men — M.B.Travis
b. : to perturb or agitate mentally or emotionally : discompose
a clumsy driver had unsettled the horses — C.S.Forester
his narratives unsettle us, force us to make comparisons in our own terms — E.R.May
the impact of the momentary glamorous life could unsettle a woman — Herbert Mitgary
intransitive verb
: to become unsettled or unfixed
the congregation unsettled, produced handkerchiefs, and knelt upon them — James Joyce
Synonyms: see disorder