unman

verb

un·​man ˌən-ˈman How to pronounce unman (audio)
unmanned; unmanning

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit
2
Choose the Right Synonym for unman

unnerve, enervate, unman, emasculate mean to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action.

unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Examples of unman in a Sentence

the near crash of the airliner was a completely unmanning experience for the passengers players who wouldn't let themselves be unmanned by the loss of a single game

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unman was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near unman

Cite this Entry

“Unman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unman. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unman

verb
un·​man ˌən-ˈman How to pronounce unman (audio)
ˈən-
: to deprive of vigor or courage
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!