Uncouple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔗
uncouple
[ʌnˈkʌpəl ]
Definition
separation of parts
To uncouple means to separate or detach one part from another. This term is often used in the context of trains, where carriages are uncoupled from the engine or from each other. In other contexts, it can refer to breaking a bond or connection between individuals or entities, such as in relationships or systems. The action of uncoupling might involve a deliberate act or a spontaneous occurrence depending on the circumstances.
Synonyms
detach, disconnect, disengage, separate.
Examples of usage
- The train conductor needed to uncouple the last car.
- After years of partnership, they decided to uncouple their business interests.
- Engineers needed to uncouple the machinery to conduct repairs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'uncouple'
The word 'uncouple' originates from the combination of the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of', and the word 'couple', which itself comes from the Latin word 'copula' meaning 'a bond or link'. The term initially related to the physical coupling of pairs or connections, especially in reference to trains where carriages are coupled for movement. Over time, 'uncouple' began to encompass a broader range of meanings, extending to emotional and relational contexts where people or things are separated or disconnected. The development of rail transport in the 19th century significantly popularized the term, connecting its mechanical implications to social relationships as it became common to describe couples, partnerships, and various forms of attachments in personal and professional realms.