uncouple

[uhn-kuhp-uh l]

See more synonyms for uncouple on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), un·cou·pled, un·cou·pling.

to release the coupling or link between; disconnect; let go: to uncouple railroad cars.
to end (a romantic relationship or marriage): Their marriage was uncoupled by financial problems.

verb (used without object), un·cou·pled, un·cou·pling.

to become unfastened; let go: The glider uncoupled from the tow plane.
to end a romantic relationship or marriage: My sister and her boyfriend have uncoupled after ten years together.
(of a romantic relationship or marriage) to end.

Origin of uncouple

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for uncouple

Historical Examples

There was no need for the firemen to uncouple a line of hose from the reel.
From Place to Place
Irvin S. Cobb
Tell Pedro the moment he hears the bell ring to uncouple the rear car.
Jack North's Treasure Hunt
Roy Rockwood
It will then uncouple, discharge one hopper, and go back on Mass-Time.
The Lost Kafoozalum
Pauline Ashwell
I've got to get to the rear now, to uncouple a car we have to leave here.
All He Knew
John Habberton
Andrews told his engineer to uncouple the baggage car from the box car, and then wait for him.
Stories Of Georgia
Joel Chandler Harris

British Dictionary definitions for uncouple

uncouple

verb

to disconnect or unfasten or become disconnected or unfastened
(tr) to set loose; release

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for uncouple

v.

c.1300, from un- (2) "opposite of" + couple (v.). Cf. Middle Dutch ontcoppelen. Related: Uncoupled; uncoupling.

uncouple

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}uncouple

Examples from the Web for uncouple

Historical Examples

There was no need for the firemen to uncouple a line of hose from the reel.

Tell Pedro the moment he hears the bell ring to uncouple the rear car.

It will then uncouple, discharge one hopper, and go back on Mass-Time.

I've got to get to the rear now, to uncouple a car we have to leave here.

Andrews told his engineer to uncouple the baggage car from the box car, and then wait for him.

uncouple

Word Origin and History for uncouple

v.

Origin of uncouple