unmoor
Americanverb (used with object)
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to loose (a vessel) from moorings or anchorage.
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to bring to the state of riding with a single anchor after being moored by two or more.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to weigh the anchor or drop the mooring of (a vessel)
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(tr) to reduce the mooring of (a vessel) to one anchor
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.
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
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.
