unlace
Americanverb (used with object)
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to loosen or undo the lacing or laces of (a pair of shoes, a corset, etc.).
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to loosen or remove the garments of (a person) by or as if by undoing laces.
verb
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to loosen or undo the lacing of (shoes, garments, etc)
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to unfasten or remove garments of (oneself or another) by or as if by undoing lacing
Etymology
Origin of unlace
First recorded in 1300–50, unlace is from the Middle English word unlacen. See un- 2, lace
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.
Bat considered telling Mr. Grayson about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, but the teacher was busy unlacing his orange high-tops and getting ready to lead the group in yoga.
From Literature
Taking your shoes on and off again 一 especially if you go outside often in shoes that take a while to unlace 一 can be a real headache.
From Seattle Times
He didn’t even wait to come off the field before unlacing his cleats, lowering his socks and removing his shin guards.
From Seattle Times
When the feds roll up to her boxy corner house in a leafy suburb, Winner is outside in cutoff jean shorts, a white button-down shirt, and unlaced yellow Converse.
From Los Angeles Times
“All right, I got you,” Abdul said, as he unlaced Eric’s shoes and started to warm his feet in his hands.
From New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
