unfold

[uhn-fohld]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring out of a folded state; spread or open out.

   Unfold your arms.

2. to spread out or lay open to view.

3. to reveal or display.

4. to reveal or disclose in words, especially by careful or systematic exposition; set forth; explain.

verb (used without object)

1. to become unfolded; open.

2. to develop.

3. to become clear, apparent, or known.

   The protagonist's character unfolds as the story reaches its climax.

unfold

/ ʌnˈfəʊld /

verb

1. to open or spread out or be opened or spread out from a folded state

2. to reveal or be revealed

   the truth unfolds

3. to develop or expand or be developed or expanded

Other Word Forms

• unfoldable adjective
• unfolder noun
• unfoldment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfold¹

before 900; Middle English unfolden, Old English unfealdan; cognate with German entfalten. See un- ², fold ¹

Example Sentences

That decline reflects the structural changes rapidly unfolding across the networking sector.

Read more on Barron's

In nearby Sac City, Crystal Hanrahan was watching the case unfold when she got an idea.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He grew disgusted watching the raids that unfolded in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Banerji's letter is also an insight into what was happening behind the scenes as the crisis unfolded.

Read more on BBC

It is a different season with an entirely different set of circumstances, the climax of which has yet to unfold.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• illustrate 
• resolve 
• reveal 
• solve 
• unravel