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

Mrs. Bowen broke out again with a sort of violence; the years teach us something of self-control, perhaps, but they weaken and unstring the nerves.

From Indian Summer by Howells, William Dean

I resolutely put aside the thought of Juanita—of any personal feeling which might mar my judgment and unstring my nerves at this supreme and dreadful moment.

From The City in the Clouds by Gull, C. Ranger

We meet only an embarrassment of choice when we start to unstring the chaplet of our carking cares.

From The Simple Life by Hendee, Mary Louise

Meantime, as if fearful that the continuance of the scene might too much unstring his master, the servant seemed anxious to terminate it.

From The Piazza Tales by Melville, Herman

Related Words

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