unnerve

/ˌʌnˈnɜːv/ (bre, ipa) · [ənˈɚv] /ˌʌnˈnɜːrv/ (ame, ipa) · [ənˈɚv] /ˌən-ˈnərv How to pronounce unnerve (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unnerve — verb

  • unnervepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unnerveshe / she / it
  • unnervedpast simple
  • unnerving-ing form

1. When something unnerves you, it suddenly makes you feel worried, afraid, or unsu

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

When something unnerves you, it suddenly makes you feel worried, afraid, or unsure of yourself — especially because it is unexpected or hard to deal with.

例句

The thought of speaking alone on stage for an hour unnerved the young actress.

subject as abstract noun phrase: thought of + gerund

When the engine failed in midair, the co-pilot's calm expression unnerved the passengers even more.

when-clause introducing the cause before the main clause

同義詞
  • rattle

    More informal; suggests flustered and confused rather than scared

  • daunt

    Focuses on making someone feel discouraged or intimidated about a task

  • disconcert

    Slightly more formal; emphasises confusion and embarrassment over fear

  • shake

    Can mean upset or shock emotionally; broader in scope

反義詞
  • reassure

    To restore confidence and calm someone's fears

  • steady

    To make someone feel calm and composed again

文法句型

something + unnerves + someone

be unnerved + by + noun phrase

be unnerved + when + clause

it unnerves + someone + when/that + clause

用法筆記

Often used in the passive voice (be unnerved / get unnerved / feel unnerved). The cause can be introduced by 'by' (a thing or person) or 'when' (a situation). Less commonly used with a that-clause: 'It unnerved me that no one spoke up.'

常見錯誤

❌The sudden noise unnerved me' (when you mean annoyed).
✅The sudden noise unnerved me' (when you mean it made you afraid).
💡'unnerve' implies fear or loss of confidence, not just irritation or disturbance.
❌I unnerved when I saw the exam questions.
✅I was unnerved when I saw the exam questions.
💡'unnerve' is transitive; it needs a direct object or the passive form.