unbind

American  

[uhn-bahynd] / ʌnˈbaɪnd /

verb (used with object)

unbound, unbinding

1. to release from bonds or restraint, as a prisoner; free.

2. to unfasten or loose, as a bond or tie.

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unbind British  

/ ʌnˈbaɪnd /

verb

1. to set free from restraining bonds or chains; release

2. to unfasten or make loose (a bond, tie, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of unbind

before 950; Middle English unbinden, Old English unbindan; cognate with German entbinden. See un- ², bind

Explanation

To unbind is to release someone or something that's tied up. In a fantasy novel, the heroine might unbind the prisoners of the evil ogre and rescue them from his terrifying lair. The verb bind means to secure or fasten something using rope or another kind of restraint. Unbind is the opposite (you can tell from the "reverse" prefix un-). The famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini managed to unbind himself in many unlikely situations — underwater, in a straitjacket, and buried in the ground, among others.

Example Sentences

"Unbind these withes," said the captive, "I cannot begin the search in this extremity."

From The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and character by Roby, John

Unbind him now,   And thrust him out of doors; for save he be   Fool to the midmost marrow of his bones,   He will return no more.'

From Idylls of the King by Tennyson, Alfred Tennyson, Baron

Jesus said to them, Unbind him, and let him go.

From The New Testament Translated From the Original Greek, With Chronological Arrangement of the Sacred Books, and Improved Divisions of Chapters and Verses. by Sawyer, Leicester A. (Leicester Ambrose)

Thanks if your genial care Unbind and give me to the air.

From Poems Household Edition by Emerson, Ralph Waldo

Light of the earth and sky, Unbind mine eyes, Lest I in darkness lie While my soul dies.

From A Young Man in a Hurry and Other Short Stories by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)