German Conversation · Level 87
59 words
German word
verunsichern
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʊnˌzɪçɐn/
Meaning
- verbunsettle
Example
Die Kritik verunsichert ihn.
The criticism unsettles him.
More examples
Die plötzlichen Gerüchte verunsichern die Belegschaft.
The sudden rumors unsettle the staff.
Core concept
A person loses a clear sense of how to judge or act after confidence is shaken.
Common phrases
durch Gerüchte verunsichern
unsettle ___ with rumors
jemanden verunsichern
unsettle someone
Similar words
beunruhigen: Cause anxiety or concern about a situation.
zweifeln lassen: Cause someone to question whether something is true or right.
verwirren: Make someone unable to understand information clearly.
Definition in German
Bei jemandem das Gefühl hervorrufen, nicht mehr sicher in Urteil oder Handeln zu sein.
Word origin
The word derives from the adjective unsicher, meaning unsure or insecure, and turns that state into a causative verb with ver- and -en.
Usage tips
- Verunsichern is broader than bewilder: it often describes shaken confidence or self-doubt rather than simple failure to understand.
Other meanings
- rattleverb
- bewilderverb
Opposites
- beruhigenreassureverb
Related words
- Verunsicherungunsettlementnoun
- verunsichertunsettledadjective