unstring

verb

un·​string ˌən-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce unstring (audio)
unstrung ˌən-ˈstrəŋ How to pronounce unstring (audio) ; unstringing ˌən-ˈstriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce unstring (audio)
Synonyms of unstringnext

transitive verb

1
: to loosen or remove the strings of
2
: to remove from a string
3
: to make weak, disordered, or unstable
was unstrung by the news

Examples of unstring in a Sentence

the kind of fierce combat that can unstring even hardened soldiers a little unstrung by the fact that he was on his first job interview

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unstring was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unstring. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

unstring

verb
un·​string ˌən-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce unstring (audio)
ˈən-
unstrung -ˈstrəŋ How to pronounce unstring (audio) ; unstringing -ˈstriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce unstring (audio)
1
: to loosen or remove the strings of
2
: to remove from a string
unstrung the beads
3
: to damage mentally or emotionally
unstrung by bad news
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