uncouple

American  

[uhn-kuhp-uhl] / ʌnˈkʌp əl /

verb (used with object)

uncoupled, uncoupling

1. to release the coupling or link between; disconnect; let go.

   to uncouple railroad cars.

2. to end (a romantic relationship or marriage).

   Their marriage was uncoupled by financial problems.

---

verb (used without object)

uncoupled, uncoupling

1. to become unfastened; let go.

   The glider uncoupled from the tow plane.

2. to end a romantic relationship or marriage.

   My sister and her boyfriend have uncoupled after ten years together.

3. (of a romantic relationship or marriage) to end.

uncouple British  

/ ʌnˈkʌpəl /

verb

1. to disconnect or unfasten or become disconnected or unfastened

2. (tr) to set loose; release

---

Etymology

Origin of uncouple

1300–50; Middle English unco ( u ) plen; un- ², couple

Example Sentences

The measurements showed that when iron is scarce, as much as 25% of the proteins that capture light become "uncoupled" from the structures that convert that energy into usable chemical forms.

From Science Daily

If you uncouple your net worth from your self-worth, navigating finances becomes less sensitive.

From MarketWatch

Others behaved more like the older toxic compounds, producing dangerous levels of uncoupling.

From Science Daily

Mitochondria in brown fat can shift from making fuel to generating heat through a molecule called uncoupling protein 1.

From Science Daily

“You know I was married once, but that didn’t work out. It hurt to uncouple our lives from our dreams.”

From Los Angeles Times