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unstring

[uhn-string]
See more synonyms for unstring on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), un·strung, un·string·ing.
  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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Origin of unstring

First recorded in 1605–15; un-2 + string
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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Examples from the Web for unstring

Historical Examples

  • "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)
  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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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