unravel

[uhn-rav-uhl]

verb (used with object)

unraveled, unraveling , unravelled, unravelling .

1. to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).

2. to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve.

   to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.

3. Informal.,  to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).

verb (used without object)

unraveled, unraveling , unravelled, unravelling .

1. to become unraveled.

unravel

/ ʌnˈrævəl /

verb

1. (tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands

2. (tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted)

3. (tr) to explain or solve

   the mystery was unravelled

4. (intr) to become unravelled

Other Word Forms

• unraveler noun
• unravelment noun
• unraveller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unravel¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + ravel

Example Sentences

The federal affidavit says authorities tapped Nania’s phones as detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department worked with FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents to unravel drug networks in the harbor area.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Australian's grand prix unravelled even before the lights went out as he jumped the start and had to stop again before getting under way.

Read more on BBC

How viscerally satisfying to scream “Head like a hole, black as your soul / I’d rather die than give you control” as American life seems to unravel with each passing hour.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Instead of a grand vehicle for himself, he chose a small domestic drama adapted from Judith Guest’s novel, about a family unraveling after loss.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I didn’t make this to tell a story of descent or unraveling,” he says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decipher 
• resolve 
• solve 
• undo 
• untangle