unlace

[ uhn-leys ]

verb (used with object)

, un·laced, un·lac·ing.

1. to loosen or undo the lacing or laces of (a pair of shoes, a corset, etc.).
2. to loosen or remove the garments of (a person) by or as if by undoing laces.

unlace

/ ʌnˈleɪs /

verb

1. to loosen or undo the lacing of (shoes, garments, etc)
2. to unfasten or remove garments of (oneself or another) by or as if by undoing lacing

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlace¹

First recorded in 1300–50, unlace is from the Middle English word unlacen. See un- ², lace

Example Sentences

By-and-by, with the book on his knee and his eyes still fixed on it, Archie began mechanically to unlace his boots.

From Project Gutenberg

Britomart made her old nurse unlace her helmet, and sat down and watched the cold grey waves.

From Project Gutenberg

THEN the king, at the queen's request, made him to alight and to unlace his helm, that the queen might see him in the visage.

From Project Gutenberg

Hurley tossed the peavy into its corner and proceeded to unlace his boots.

From Project Gutenberg

If I just unlace this one, you can wiggle your foot out as easy as pie.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alleviate
• break up
• ease
• loose
• relax
• slacken
• undo
• unlock
• unscrew
• untie