Unhinge
/ʌnˈhɪndʒ/noun
To remove something from its hinges or to disrupt someone's mental stability.
Did you know?The term 'unhinge' not only refers to physical doors but also metaphorically describes a mind that has lost its balance, linking to ancient concepts of sanity and chaos.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
English
hinge
“A movable joint or fastening that allows a door or gate to swing open.”
Middle English
English
unhengen
“To remove from a hinge, to detach.”
16th Century
English
unhinge
“To disturb the regular operation of a system or to throw into confusion.”
Modern English
English
unhinge
“To cause to lose one's mental balance or stability.”