unman

unman — verb

  • unmanpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unmans3rd person singular
  • unmanning-ing form
  • unmannedpast simple

1. to make someone suddenly lose their confidence, courage, or emotional self-contr

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to make someone suddenly lose their confidence, courage, or emotional self-control, leaving them feeling weak or helpless — for example, being unmanned by terrible news, harsh criticism, or a traumatic event.

例句

The critic's cruel review completely unmanned Stefan, and he stopped writing for months.

unmanned + by [negative experience]

Even battle-hardened soldiers can be unmanned by the cries of wounded children.

passive: can be unmanned by [tragedy]

同義詞
  • unnerve

    weaker and more common; implies temporary nervousness rather than total collapse of composure

  • dishearten

    focuses on loss of hope or motivation rather than courage or emotional control

  • demoralize

    often used for groups (teams, armies); emphasises loss of fighting spirit

  • emasculate

    more metaphorical; implies a blow to one's sense of power or masculinity specifically

反義詞
  • embolden

    to give someone courage or confidence

  • hearten

    to make someone feel more hopeful or encouraged

文法句型

unman + noun phrase

be unmanned + by + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive voice (be unmanned by). The cause is usually a traumatic experience, harsh words, or overwhelming circumstances rather than a person. Literary or formal register; almost never used in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌The loud noise unmanned him for a moment.
✅The news of the accident completely unmanned him, and he wept openly.
💡unman describes a deep emotional or psychological blow, not a brief physical shock.
❌The exam questions unmanned me.
✅The hostile questions from the reporters completely unmanned the politician.
💡unman is too strong and too formal for everyday setbacks; reserve it for genuinely devastating or humiliating experiences.

2. to remove the testicles of a male animal, typically in order to make it calmer o

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to remove the testicles of a male animal, typically in order to make it calmer or to prevent breeding.

例句

The farmer asked the veterinarian to unman the young bull before the breeding season.

collocation: unman + [male livestock animal]

In some rural areas, male livestock are unmanned to make them easier to handle.

passive: are unmanned

同義詞
  • castrate

    the modern standard term; used for both animals and humans in medical contexts

  • neuter

    broader — can apply to both male and female animals; most common in everyday veterinary use

  • geld

    specific to horses; technical term used by equestrian professionals

文法句型

unman + noun phrase (animal)

be unmanned + by + noun phrase (veterinarian)

用法筆記

This sense is historically older and has been largely replaced by neuter or castrate in modern English. Primarily encountered in historical texts or technical writing about animal husbandry from earlier periods.

常見錯誤

❌The vet will unman our dog next week.
✅The vet will neuter our dog next week.
💡unman sounds archaic and unnatural for domestic pets; use neuter or castrate.