unwish

American  

[uhn-wish] / ʌnˈwɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to cease to wish for.

2. Obsolete. to wish away.

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unwish British  

/ ʌnˈwɪʃ /

verb

1. to retract or revoke (a wish)

2. to desire (something) not to be or take place

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Etymology

Origin of unwish

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

Example Sentences

“It’s a dangerous thing,” she said to herself as she 172 sank down upon the cushions, “to wish for a thing unless you really want it, because if your wish comes true, you are just as apt as not to unwish it, and then things are in a muddle.”

From Project Gutenberg

When fear’d the future, ’tis no longer wish’d; 1314 And, when unwish’d, we strive to disbelieve.

From Project Gutenberg

Let him frown, If to his parent's deeds we his prefer; Yet fame quite free will such commands despise, Give him unwish'd-for precedence; and here, And here alone he'll disobedience find.

From Project Gutenberg

I suppose you think the circumstances, whatever they may be, have warranted the act; but that act puts a stigma on your name which makes it unfit for any woman to bear; and if you have any spark of manhood left, you’ll unwish the wish—you will unthink the thought—that I would wait—or even want you—ever—to come back.”

From Project Gutenberg

His chief reaction was not repentance nor dramatic interest, but a vexed longing to unwish the whole affair.

From Project Gutenberg