unhinge

verb

un·​hinge ˌən-ˈhinj How to pronounce unhinge (audio)
unhinged; unhinging; unhinges
Synonyms of unhingenext

transitive verb

1
: to make unstable : unsettle, disrupt
unhinge the balance of world peace
pressure that would unhinge a less experienced person
2
: to remove from the hinges
unhinge a door

Synonyms of unhinge

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Examples of unhinge in a Sentence

the endless harassment by the guards completely unhinged the prisoners of war I was momentarily unhinged by the unexpected question.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The birds unhinged their beaks as if to make a loud sound. — Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 Others’ unhinged ignorance can be fun. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026 And Jane is really unhinged, and is referred to throughout the play as being unhinged. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 This is where fashion goes full fantasy, sometimes genius, sometimes completely unhinged. — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unhinge

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unhinge was in 1612

Rhymes for unhinge

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Browse Nearby Words

unhindered
unhinge
unhinged
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Cite this Entry

“Unhinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhinge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unhinge

verb
un·​hinge ˌən-ˈhinj How to pronounce unhinge (audio)
1
: unsettle sense 2, disrupt
a mind unhinged by grief
2
: to remove (as a door) from the hinges

More from Merriam-Webster on unhinge

Nglish: Translation of unhinge for Spanish Speakers

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