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definitions

unstring

[uhn-string]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR unstring ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), un·strung, un·string·ing.

to deprive of strings: to unstring a violin.
to take from a string: to unstring beads.
to loosen the strings of: to unstring a bow.
to relax the tension of.
to relax unduly, or weaken (the nerves).
to weaken the nerves of.

Origin of unstring

First recorded in 1605–15; un-2 + string
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for unstring

disturb, unsettle, rattle, frighten, unnerve, upset, intimidate, worry, horrify, throw, undermine, weaken, dismay, discompose, distress, jar, bother, move, appall, impair

Examples from the Web for unstring

Historical Examples of unstring

  • "Now I pray thee to unstring it again," handing it to the bowman.

    Sir Nigel

    Arthur Conan Doyle

  • That such emotion could so unstring Louis Arnold was a marvel.

  • Away then to loosen, to unstring the divine bow, so tense, so long.

  • Do not unstring the bow too often while shooting; once in every six double ends is quite enough, unless there are many shooters.

    Archery Rules

    Charles F. A. Hinrichs

  • He paused long enough to unstring the bow and put it back in the quiver.

    The Pirates of Shan

    Harold Leland Goodwin

British Dictionary definitions for unstring

unstring

verb -strings, -stringing or -strung (tr)

to remove the strings of
(of beads, pearls, etc) to remove or take from a string
to weaken or enfeeble emotionally (a person or his nerves)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012