verb
untie
un-TYE/ʌnˈtaɪ/
To loosen or undo something that binds or holds.
An older woman unties her shoelace by pulling the free end.
Etymology
The prefix reverses the act of binding: to untie is to release what tying has secured. The older verb also covered unchaining and setting free, alongside undoing a knot.
In context
one reason why Alexander desired to go to gordium was that he wished to untie the famous gordian knot
More examples
- Please untie the rope so we can move the boat.
- She untied the ribbon and opened the gift.
- I'm having trouble untying this tight knot.
Forms
untie · unties · untied · untying
tie verb — To fasten or secure with a knot.
Similar words
- loosen
- Makes something less tight without necessarily undoing the fastening.
- unfasten
- Covers releasing other closures too, including buttons and buckles.