unpack

[ uhn-pak ]

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.).

verb (used without object)

1. to remove the contents of a container.

unpack

/ 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

Derived Forms

• unˈpacker, noun

Other Words From

• un·packer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpack¹

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

Example Sentences

There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s dive into one of the wonkier features of the state’s water market.

From Voice of San Diego

Given a crisis on this scale, it’s hard to unpack what exactly might happen, but it’s very likely things would spiral out of control, and the resulting uncertainty could spark unrest and protests that could very well lead to violence.

From FiveThirtyEight

His new book, No Rules Rules, which he wrote with business school professor Erin Meyer, unpacks why Netflix is the successful, global content machine and streaming powerhouse it is.

From Freakonomics

Welcome back to Human Capital, where we unpack the latest in tech labor and diversity and inclusion.

From TechCrunch

You’ve got all these different formats for audio, so there’s a large amount of number-crunching the TV has to do to unpack it all.

From Popular-Science

Nonetheless, the pop provocateur that soap fans know by the mononym “Franco” has decided to unpack it.

From The Daily Beast

Someone needs to strap a jet pack on Dr. Drew and send him up to unpack these daddy issues, ASAP.

From The Daily Beast

A little while ago I asked a Texas conservative I know to unpack the antipathy aroused by Cruz.

From The Daily Beast

Her contemplative films (never videos) unpack the world the way Cezanne and Chardin do.

From The Daily Beast

Let's unpack their verbal clash and see what it tells us about each man and his strategy.

From The Daily Beast

June's hands so trembled when she found herself alone with her treasures that she could hardly unpack them.

From Project Gutenberg

Never unpack them and leave their roots exposed to the air for any length of time.

From Project Gutenberg

An hour had sufficed him to register and unpack his bag and trunk in the room assigned to him in Torrence Hall.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile, Hannam continued to unpack and mount the instruments forming the wireless plants.

From Project Gutenberg

These are your little beds; and Anderson, the schoolroom maid, will unpack your trunks presently.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• take out
• unload