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

As we had no hearers we used to give wonderful expression to our singing, possibly it was lucky no one could hear us, for it would certainly unstring their nerves.

From Jethou or Crusoe Life in the Channel Isles by Suffling, Ernest R. (Ernest Richard)

My nerves unstring, my friend; my flesh grows weak: "The good that I do I leave undone, The evil which I would not, that I do!"

From The Dynasts by Hardy, Thomas

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

From Complete Prose Works Specimen Days and Collect, November Boughs and Goodbye My Fancy by Whitman, Walt

And this wave of passion that ran through his veins seemed to unstring his nerves, weaken his purpose, and cast a mist of love over his courage.

From The Strand Magazine, Vol. 27, No. 161, May 1904 by Various

Related Words

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