unpack

American  

[uhn-pak] / ʌnˈpæk /

verb (used with object)

1. to undo or remove the contents from (a box, trunk, etc.).

2. to remove (something) from a container, suitcase, etc.

3. to unburden, as the mind; reveal.

4. to decipher or discern (the meaning of symbols, statements, etc.).

   Each statement could be unpacked in the general theory.

5. to remove a pack or load from (a horse, vehicle, etc.).

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verb (used without object)

1. to remove the contents of a container.

unpack British  

/ ʌnˈpæk /

verb

1. to remove the packed contents of (a case, trunk, etc)

2. (tr) to take (something) out of a packed container

3. (tr) to remove a pack from; unload

   to unpack a mule

4. (tr) to explain (a question, issue, etc) by analysing its component parts

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Other Word Forms

• unpacker noun

Etymology

Origin of unpack

First recorded in 1425–75, unpack is from the late Middle English word unpakken. See un- ², pack ¹

Example Sentences

"I thought I would find some clue to unpack this. It's a small island, but it swallows you up."

From BBC

If she has a tough situation at work, she says, she will mention it to her husband and unpack it with her best friend.

From The Wall Street Journal

“But there’s so much to unpack in that one line from the Bible,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

“We won’t unpack them yet. We need to get these big ones opened first so the entrance isn’t blocked.”

From Literature

“You go upstairs. You unpack. You sleep. You wait for your next instructions.”

From Literature

Related Words

• take out
• unload