undock

American

[uhn-dok] / ʌnˈdɒk /

verb (used with object)

to uncouple (two spacecraft modules or a spacecraft and space station).

verb (used without object)

(of a spacecraft module or spacecraft) to uncouple.

Etymology

Origin of undock

First recorded in 1920–25; un- ² + dock ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They had been told to put on their spacesuits so they were ready to undock and return to Earth at short notice.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The Starliner, meanwhile, would remotely undock and return to Earth without a crew.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2024

Roscosmos said mission control specialists had detected a depressurisation in the cooling system of the Progress MS-21 cargo ship which is due to undock from the ISS on Feb. 18.

From Reuters • Feb. 11, 2023

Then it will need to undock and come home, safely landing back on Earth.

From The Verge • May 19, 2022

Will no one arm and chase them, or undock The ships?

From The Æneid of Virgil Translated into English Verse by E. Fairfax Taylor by Taylor, Edward Fairfax

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023