unhorse

[uhn-hawrs]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR unhorse ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), un·horsed, un·hors·ing.

to cause to fall from a horse, as in battle; dislodge from the saddle: Sir Gawain unhorsed the strange knight.

to defeat; overcome; dislodge, as from a position or office: His vigorous campaign unhorsed his adversary.

Origin of unhorse

First recorded in 1350–1400, unhorse is from the Middle English word unhorsen. See un-², horse

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for unhorse

subdue, tumble, depose, terminate, overpower, subvert, ruin, exterminate, tip, abolish, crush, overwhelm, unseat, overcome, topple, demolish, beat, liquidate, conquer, overturn

Examples from the Web for unhorse

Historical Examples of unhorse

If they win, they grab at booty; if they lose, they unhorse and pilfer their own side!
The Bbur-nma in English
Babur, Emperor of Hindustan
It took, indeed, the vast shock of the Civil War to unhorse the optimists.
The American Language
Henry L. Mencken
"I should like to see the vine that could unhorse me," answered Stacy.
The Pony Rider Boys in Louisiana
Frank Gee Patchin
He thought with the shock to unhorse Rire-pour-tout, and finish him then at his leisure.
Under Two Flags
Ouida [Louise de la Ramee]
Death in a huge pair of jack-boots, seizes him by the arm with a view to unhorse him.
The Dance of Death
Francis Douce

British Dictionary definitions for unhorse

unhorse

verb (tr)

(usually passive) to knock or throw from a horse

to overthrow or dislodge, as from a powerful position

rare to unharness horses from (a carriage, etc)

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 unhorse

late 14c., "to throw (someone) from his horse," from un- (2) + horse (v.). Cf. Middle Dutch ontorsen.