Formal and Informal Expressions of unhinge

In different contexts, you can replace 'unhinge' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'derange, disorder' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'freak out, lose it' is a commonplace synonym.

unhinge: Explore its Definition & Usage

unhinge Definition

1to make someone very upset or mentally ill
2to remove a door from its frame

Using unhinge: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "unhinge" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The news of her father's death completely unhinged her.
Example
The constant stress of the job was starting to unhinge him.
Example
He unhinged the door and carried it outside.
Example
The burglar had unhinged the window to gain entry.

unhinge Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for unhinge

Antonyms for unhinge

Phrases with unhinge

unhinge one's jaw
to open one's mouth very wide, as if it were unhinged from the skull
Example
The snake unhinged its jaw to swallow the whole rat.
unhinge from reality
to become detached from reality, often due to mental illness or trauma
Example
After the accident, he started to unhinge from reality and began having hallucinations.
unhinge the mind
to cause someone to become mentally unstable or insane
Example
The horrors of war can unhinge even the strongest minds.

Origins of unhinge

from un- 'not' + hinge, meaning 'to detach from a hinge'

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Summary: unhinge in Brief

The verb 'unhinge' [ʌnˈhɪndʒ] has two main meanings. The first is to make someone very upset or mentally ill, as in 'The news of her father's death completely unhinged her.' The second is to remove a door from its frame, as in 'He unhinged the door and carried it outside.' The phrase 'unhinge one's jaw' means to open one's mouth very wide, while 'unhinge from reality' and 'unhinge the mind' refer to becoming detached from reality or mentally unstable.