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unnerving

adjective

/ʌnˈnəːvɪŋ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of unnerving

Profoundly unsettling, disconcerting, or anxiety-inducing, often causing a sense of fear or discomfort.
"The unnerving silence in the room made her feel uneasy."

Detailed meaning of unnerving

When an experience or situation is deemed unnerving, it has the power to disturb one's composure or emotional equilibrium, often leading to heightened feelings of unease, apprehension, or even alarm. This term implies a disruption of the expected or a challenge to one's sense of security, leaving an individual feeling rattled or perturbed. Unnerving circumstances can range from encountering the unknown to witnessing something shocking or deeply unsettling, and they often trigger a visceral, emotional response that lingers in the mind. "Unnerving" underscores the idea of something that shakes one's confidence, instills fear, or undermines a sense of safety and predictability.

Example sentences containing unnerving

1. The eerie silence in the abandoned house was truly unnerving.
2. Her intense gaze was unnerving, making me feel exposed and vulnerable.
3. The sudden change in his behavior was both unexpected and unnerving.
4. The unsettling artwork on the walls gave the room an unnerving atmosphere.
5. The way he grinned without blinking was incredibly unnerving.
6. The constant flickering of the lights created an unnerving sensation.

History and etymology of unnerving

The adjective 'unnerving' derives its meaning from the verb 'nerve,' which originates from the Latin 'nervus,' referring to a sinew or tendon. 'Unnerving' describes something that is profoundly unsettling, disconcerting, or anxiety-inducing, often causing a sense of fear or discomfort. Its etymology conveys the notion of a disturbance or weakening of one's emotional or mental 'nerves.' When an experience or situation is described as unnerving, it implies that it has the power to undermine one's emotional or mental fortitude, leaving them feeling vulnerable or shaken. This term effectively encapsulates the capacity of certain events or circumstances to unnerve individuals, causing them to lose their sense of composure or equilibrium.

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Further usage examples of unnerving

1. The uncanny resemblance between the two strangers was unnerving to everyone.
2. The chilling whispers in the wind sent shivers down my spine, truly unnerving me.
3. The unsettling news report left a sense of unease that was quite unnerving.
4. The uncanny calmness of the stormy sea was unnerving for the sailors.
5. The unnerving sounds coming from the darkened woods filled me with fear.
6. The way the old portrait seemed to follow me with its eyes was unnerving.
7. The complete absence of footprints in the freshly fallen snow was unnerving.
8. The unnerving feeling of being watched made her look over her shoulder repeatedly.
9. The sudden and unexpected encounter with the stranger left her feeling unnerved.
10. The bizarre dreams were becoming increasingly unnerving, affecting his sleep.
11. The way he laughed at inappropriate moments was unnerving to those around him.
12. The unsettling premonition she had was so vivid that it left her unnerved.
13. The eerie stillness of the abandoned amusement park was incredibly unnerving.
14. The unnerving sense of being trapped in the elevator heightened my anxiety.