unstring

American  

[uhn-string] / ʌnˈstrɪŋ /

verb (used with object)

unstrung, unstringing

1. to deprive of strings.

   to unstring a violin.

2. to take from a string.

   to unstring beads.

3. to loosen the strings of.

   to unstring a bow.

4. to relax the tension of.

5. to relax unduly, or weaken (the nerves).

6. to weaken the nerves of.

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unstring British  

/ ʌnˈstrɪŋ /

verb

1. to remove the strings of

2. (of beads, pearls, etc) to remove or take from a string

3. to weaken or enfeeble emotionally (a person or his nerves)

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Etymology

Origin of unstring

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

Example Sentences

That alone would’ve been enough for me to unstring my racquets and call it a career. 

From Newsweek • Jun. 21, 2011

An earnest, fluent talker, who could unstring his bow and throw a charm even over ordinary topics.

From Glories of Spain by Wood, Charles W. (William)

The morning is positive; in the evening we muse and dream and take our ease, we see our friends, we unstring the bow, we indulge our social instincts.

From The Last Harvest by Burroughs, John

What I have recently gone through with is quite enough to unstring the nerves of a stronger woman than I am, and what must be my condition?

From An Arkansas Planter by Read, Opie Percival

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

From The Pirates of Shan by Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)

Related Words

• disturb
• frighten
• horrify
• intimidate
• rattle
• throw
• undermine
• unnerve
• unsettle
• upset
• weaken
• worry