Unclothe: meaning, definitions and examples

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unclothe

 

[ʌnˈkləʊð ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

without clothes

To remove clothing from someone or oneself.

Synonyms

disrobe, strip, undress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unclothe

Used in formal or literary settings to describe the act of removing clothes.

  • The artist asked the model to unclothe for the painting.
  • In the story, the hero had to unclothe before entering the sacred spring.
undress

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of removing one's clothes, typically in a neutral manner.

  • It's time to undress and get ready for bed.
  • The children undressed quickly after playing in the rain.
strip

Used informally or colloquially, often with a more casual or negative connotation, implying a more forceful or rapid removal of clothes.

  • They dared him to strip down to his underwear.
  • The thief was ordered to strip by the robbers.
disrobe

Often used in formal or medical contexts, where the act of removing clothes is done in a deliberate and respectful manner.

  • The patient was asked to disrobe for the examination.
  • During the ceremony, the individuals disrobed to symbolize purity.

Examples of usage

  • He unclothed himself before entering the shower.
  • The doctor asked the patient to unclothe for the examination.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'unclothe' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'to do the opposite of' to the root word 'clothe.'
  • The word 'clothe' itself comes from the Old English 'clāþian,' which means to cover or dress.
  • The combination reflects a process—where 'clothe' implies putting on while 'unclothe' indicates taking off.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, unclothing can have significant meanings, such as freedom or vulnerability, depending on the context.
  • Many traditional rituals involve the act of unclothing as a way to symbolize new beginnings or purification.
  • Fashion trends often push the boundaries of unclothing, exploring themes of exposure and body positivity.

Psychology

  • The act of unclothing may evoke feelings of vulnerability or empowerment, and can have psychological impacts based on social and cultural contexts.
  • Body image perception plays a significant role in how individuals feel about unclothing themselves in various settings.
  • Unclothing in a safe environment, such as at home, can lead to increased comfort with one's own body.

Literature

  • Unclothing often symbolizes emotional exposure in literature, representing a character's desire to reveal their true self.
  • In poetry, the act can be a metaphor for shedding past experiences or societal constraints.
  • Famous works have used unclothing as a narrative device to explore themes of identity and self-acceptance.

Art

  • Artistic representations of unclothing can challenge societal norms and invite discussions on body image and freedom.
  • Famous painters like Gustav Klimt have captured themes of unclothing to explore intimacy and the human form.
  • Performance art often uses unclothing as a medium to convey messages about vulnerability and the human experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "unclothe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despir

🇮🇳 कपड़े उतारना

🇩🇪 entkleiden

🇮🇩 melepaskan pakaian

🇺🇦 роздягати

🇵🇱 rozebrać

🇯🇵 衣服を脱ぐ

🇫🇷 déshabiller

🇪🇸 desvestir

🇹🇷 soymak

🇰🇷 옷을 벗기다

🇸🇦 خلع الملابس

🇨🇿 svléknout

🇸🇰 vyzliecť

🇨🇳 脱衣服 (tuō yīfú)

🇸🇮 sleči

🇮🇸 afklæða

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 გაშიშვლება

🇦🇿 soyundurmaq

🇲🇽 desvestir