unstring

American

[uhn-string] / ʌnˈstrɪŋ /

verb (used with object)

unstrung, unstringing

to deprive of strings.

to unstring a violin.
to take from a string.

to unstring beads.
to loosen the strings of.

to unstring a bow.
to relax the tension of.
to relax unduly, or weaken (the nerves).
to weaken the nerves of.

unstring British

/ ʌnˈstrɪŋ /

verb

to remove the strings of
(of beads, pearls, etc) to remove or take from a string
to weaken or enfeeble emotionally (a person or his nerves)

"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

Etymology

Origin of unstring

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ² + string

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.

That alone would’ve been enough for me to unstring my racquets and call it a career.

From Newsweek • Jun. 21, 2011

"Co-Tan," he said, "unstring your bow—these are my friends, and yours."

From Out of Time's Abyss by Burroughs, Edgar Rice

We meet only an embarrassment of choice when we start to unstring the chaplet of our carking cares.

From The Simple Life by Hendee, Mary Louise

Mr. Snobbe requests all persons having nerves to be unstrung to unstring them now.

From The Dreamers A Club by Bangs, John Kendrick

Peggy was not, as we know, a nervous girl, but the situation was enough to unstring the nerves of the most stolid of beings.

From The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings by Burnham, Margaret

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