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Synonyms

unmoor

American  
[uhn-moor] / ʌnˈmʊər /

verb (used with object)

  1. to loose (a vessel) from moorings or anchorage.

  2. to bring to the state of riding with a single anchor after being moored by two or more.


verb (used without object)

  1. (of a vessel) to become unmoored.

unmoor British  
/ ʌnˈmʊə, -ˈmɔː /

verb

  1. to weigh the anchor or drop the mooring of (a vessel)

  2. (tr) to reduce the mooring of (a vessel) to one anchor

"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 unmoor

First recorded in 1490–1500, unmoor is from the Middle English word unmooren. See un- 2, moor 2


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.

See Examples For:

Some officials worry it could lodge above that level long enough to unmoor the public’s expectations of future inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

That attitude, however, tends to unmoor people from even basic morality.

From Salon ● May 7, 2024

Whether he’ll be able to unmoor his adoring public to the same degree he did the last go-round remains to be seen.

From New York Times ● May 6, 2023

“This is morning glory,” he said proudly, caressing a vibrant flowering vine one recent afternoon as he prepared to unmoor the boat for the enjoyment of his customers.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 5, 2023

I might even be enjoying myself, if I could only unmoor myself from the place I want to be.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan

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