Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To deprive of courage, strength, or resolve; to weaken the spirit or morale of a person. 2. (Archaic) To deprive of manly qualities; to make effeminate or weak. 3. (Archaic, nautical) To remove the crew from (a ship).

Usage and Examples

• The sudden, terrifying noise was enough to unman even the bravest soldier.
• Witnessing the accident completely unmanned him, leaving him unable to speak or move.
• (Archaic) He feared that a life of luxury would unman the young prince.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is often used to describe an experience or event that has a profoundly weakening or discouraging effect on someone's mental state. It implies a loss of control over one's emotions or resolve.
• Grammatical Note: "Unman" is a transitive verb and is typically used with an object (e.g., ). The past participle "unmanned" is commonly used as an adjective (e.g., ).
• The word can carry gendered connotations, as its root ("man") historically associates courage and strength with masculinity. Modern usage often acknowledges this as an archaic implication while focusing on the core meaning of causing a loss of nerve or fortitude.

Variants and Related Words

• Unmanned (adjective): Deprived of courage or resolve; also used to describe vehicles or machines operating without a human crew.
  • He was unmanned by grief.
  • An unmanned aerial vehicle (drone).
• Unmanning (adjective): Having the effect of unnerving or weakening.
  • It was an unmanning experience.

Synonyms

• Demoralize
• Dishearten
• Daunt
• Discourage
• Enervate
• Devitalize

Antonyms

• Encourage
• Embolden
• Fortify
• Strengthen
• Hearten

Idioms and Phrases

• To be unmanned by something: To be overcome with emotion (typically fear, shock, or grief) to the point of being unable to act or think clearly.
  • She was unmanned by the sudden news of her friend's illness.

Verb

1. cause to lose one's nerve
   • an unmanning experience