untie

American  

[uhn-tahy] / ʌnˈtaɪ /

verb (used with object)

untied, untying

1. to loose or unfasten (anything tied); let or set loose by undoing a knot.

2. to undo the string or cords of.

3. to undo, as a cord or a knot; unknot.

4. to free from restraint.

5. to resolve, as perplexities.

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verb (used without object)

untied, untying

1. to become untied.

untie British  

/ ʌnˈtaɪ /

verb

1. to unfasten or free (a knot or something that is tied) or (of a knot or something that is tied) to become unfastened

2. (tr) to free from constraint or restriction

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Etymology

Origin of untie

before 1000; Middle English untyen, Old English untīegan. See un- ², tie

Example Sentences

Handsome untied the bow and opened the case.

From Literature

He simply used his fingers and untied the knots in the strings.

From Literature

I untied the bobbin and held it out for her to see.

From Literature

Then, with only a bit of hesitation, I untie the orange handles, turn the bag upside down, and dump a pile of trash onto the ground.

From Literature

Holding his breath, he quit kicking, reached down, and tried to untie one shoe.

From Literature

Related Words

• disentangle
• loosen
• untangle