unbalance
unbalance Lexical Profile
unbalance Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cause someone or something to lose physical, systemic, or structural equilibrium.
"A sudden gust of wind threatened to unbalance the cyclist as she crossed the bridge."
To disturb or derange the mental or emotional stability of a person.
"The shock of the unexpected financial loss seemed to temporarily unbalance him."
• noun
A state or condition of lacking physical, structural, or proportional equilibrium; an imbalance.
"The sudden shift in cargo created a dangerous unbalance in the small fishing boat."
A state of mental or emotional disturbance or instability.
"Years of severe isolation had contributed to his gradual mental unbalance."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, 'unbalance' is used primarily as a verb (to throw out of balance), whereas 'imbalance' is strongly preferred for the noun meaning a lack of proportion or stability.