Also means
to rock, unsettle
Usage Note
ébranler can be used physically (to shake a structure) or figuratively (to undermine someone's conviction or authority). Ébranler la confiance means 'to shake confidence'. The reflexive s'ébranler means 'to begin to move' (of a train or procession setting off), a quite different nuance.
Examples
"Ce scandale a ébranlé le gouvernement."
Natural Translation
This scandal shook the government.
Related Words
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