unthread

[uhn-thred]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw out or take out the thread from.

   to unthread a sewing machine.

2. to thread one's way through or out of, as a densely wooded forest.

3. to disentangle; separate out of a raveled or confused condition.

   to unthread a mystery.

unthread

/ ʌnˈθrɛd /

verb

1. to draw out the thread or threads from (a needle, etc)

2. to disentangle

Word History and Origins

Origin of unthread¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ² + thread

Example Sentences

I’ve been asking people in and out of government to unthread these questions.

From Washington Post

You can usually unthread and reattach everything by hand.

From Seattle Times

I now feel very strongly about the length of my index fingers — enough that I will sometimes shyly unthread my hand from my girlfriend’s as we walk down the street.

From New York Times

I quickly began to unthread my braids.

From Literature

How does Trump propose to unthread this subtly woven quilt?

From Washington Post