unstring

[ uhn-string ]
/ ʌnˈstrɪŋ /
SEE 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.

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON THESE WORDS FROM BROWN GIRL DREAMING!

Visualize yourself passing this quiz on words from Jacqueline Woodson’s exquisite verse novel “Brown Girl Dreaming,” and then take the quiz to prove you can do it! (Because you can.)
Question 1 of 10
What does “barren” mean?
a cylindrical wooden container with slightly bulging sides.
Worn down by dullness, tedious repetition.
unproductive; unfruitful
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of unstring

First recorded in 1605–15; un-2 + string

Words nearby unstring

unstrap, unstratified, unstreamed, unstressed, unstriated, unstring, unstriped, unstructured, unstrung, unstuck, unstudied
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to unstring

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

Example sentences from the Web for unstring

British Dictionary definitions for unstring

unstring
/ (ʌnˈstrɪŋ) /

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