unmoor

[uhn-moor]

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

/ -ˈmɔː, ʌnˈmʊə /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unmoor¹

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

Example Sentences

To critics, the Fed’s latest moves highlight the risks of data dependence, or a flexible, judgment-based approach that they say can leave the central bank unmoored when data are scarce or unclear.

Read more on Barron's

That cozy view never prompted the sick, panicky feeling of being unmoored from the earth that the phrase “touch the clouds” had stirred up in her.

Read more on Literature

Both crypto and sports gambling would likely be much smaller, if not for men unmoored from family, friends, or partners to occupy their time and discourage risky behavior.

Read more on Salon

Unmanned and unmoored, they lust for the moment they can return to Vietnam and, with the help of the Americans, renew the battle against the Communists.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

During the pandemic, their previous space, TV Bar in Berlin, was shuttered, leaving them suddenly unmoored.

Read more on Los Angeles Times