Unhinges

To unhinge means to disturb, unsettle, or destabilize something, often referring to a mental state or emotional balance. It implies a loss of control, composure, or equilibrium. The term can apply to physical objects, too, signifying the removal or loosening of hinges, causing a structure to become unstable or disjointed. In a figurative sense, unhinging can refer to causing a disruption to a system or plan, leading to chaos or disarray. Essentially, unhinging involves the displacement or disruption of a stable or organized state.

Unhinges meaning with examples

• The sudden tragedy completely unhinges her, leading to weeks of uncontrollable grief and emotional instability. She struggled to maintain her composure, finding daily routines increasingly difficult.
• The constant barrage of negative news began to unhinge his normally calm demeanor. He became irritable and withdrawn, unable to process the overwhelming information.
• The economic collapse threatened to unhinge the financial market, causing widespread panic and instability among investors, due to the rapid decline.
• The stress of the project started to unhinge his focus. He was making errors and missing deadlines, as his mental capacity faltered under pressure.
• The escalating political conflict threatened to unhinge the peace treaty, as trust broke down between the involved parties, throwing everything into uncertainty.