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Undress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘•
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undress

[สŒnหˆdrษ›s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

getting ready for bed

To remove one's clothes, especially in a gradual or seductive manner.

Synonyms

disrobe, strip, unclothe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undress

Commonly used in everyday situations, such as when taking off clothes before bedtime or changing clothes.

  • She went to her room to undress and put on her pajamas.
  • The doctor asked him to undress for the examination.
strip

Can be used in various contexts, both neutral and negative. Often associated with removing clothes quickly or in a provocative manner, and can sometimes carry a negative or suggestive connotation.

  • He had to strip down to his underwear for the security check.
  • The dancers began to strip as part of the performance.
disrobe

Often used in formal or theatrical contexts, such as in literature, historical settings, or when referring to removing a costume.

  • The actor disrobed behind the stage after his performance.
  • In the painting, the figure begins to disrobe, revealing a vulnerable human form.
unclothe

A more literary term, typically used in poetic or descriptive contexts. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The poet described the autumn trees as unclothed by the wind.
  • In the story, the beggar was unclothed and shivering in the cold night.

Examples of usage

  • He undressed slowly, teasingly, as if putting on a show for his partner.
  • She undressed in front of the mirror, admiring her own body.
  • The actress undressed backstage before the performance.
Context #2 | Verb

medical examination

To remove clothing for a medical examination or procedure.

Synonyms

bare, expose, uncover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undress

Used when taking off clothes, typically in a neutral or private setting.

  • Before going to bed, she would undress and change into her pajamas.
  • The nurse asked the patient to undress for the examination.
bare

Often used in a figurative sense, meaning to reveal emotions or thoughts. Can also describe making something physically naked.

  • He bared his soul to the therapist, sharing his deepest fears.
  • The tree stood bare after losing all its leaves in the autumn.
expose

Highlights the action of revealing something that is hidden, often with a sense of uncovering secrets or vulnerabilities. Can have a negative connotation.

  • The journalist aimed to expose the corruption within the company.
  • The strong wind exposed the roots of the old tree.
uncover

Indicates revealing something that was hidden, often used in a positive or neutral sense in terms of discovery or investigation.

  • After years of research, they were able to uncover the ancient artifact.
  • Detectives were able to uncover vital clues in the investigation.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor asked the patient to undress from the waist up.
  • She undressed and put on a hospital gown before the surgery.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

The state of being undressed; nakedness.

Synonyms

bareness, nakedness, nudity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undress

This word is best used when talking about the act of taking off clothes.

  • She went into her room to undress before getting into the shower
nudity

This term is most frequently used in formal or artistic contexts to talk about the state of being without clothes, often in the context of art or photography.

  • The museum had an exhibit focused on the beauty of the human form and included several pieces showcasing nudity
bareness

This is often used to describe a state of lacking cover or contents, not just referring to clothes but can be a general emptiness.

  • The bareness of the room made it echo when she spoke
nakedness

This word is usually used to describe the state of being without clothes, and can sometimes have a metaphorical meaning of being exposed or vulnerable.

  • His nakedness was embarrassing, having forgotten his towel at the beach

Examples of usage

  • He blushed at her sudden undress when the doorbell rang.
  • In the privacy of their bedroom, they enjoyed each other's undress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, undressing can symbolize vulnerability, intimacy, or the transition to privacy.
  • Fashion trends often influence the societal view on undressing, with some styles celebrating exposed skin while others emphasize modesty.
  • Art has portrayed undressing as a form of liberation, reflecting changing attitudes about body image and sexuality.

Psychology

  • Undressing in social contexts can evoke feelings of anxiety or excitement, often tied to personal experiences and social norms.
  • The act of undressing can be linked to the concept of shedding societal expectations and embracing oneโ€™s true self.
  • Therapists sometimes use undressing as a metaphor in discussions about personal relationships and self-acceptance.

Art and Performance

  • Undressing has been a popular theme in visual arts, symbolizing vulnerability and raw humanity.
  • In theater, the act of undressing can be used dramatically to signify character transformation or emotional revelation.
  • Certain dance forms incorporate undressing as a means to express freedom and self-identity through movement.

Social Norms

  • Different cultures have specific social norms regarding undressing in public or private settings and managing shame.
  • Public spaces typically enforce rules regarding undressing, emphasizing norms of modesty and privacy.
  • Undressing in a communal environment, like locker rooms, is often steeped in tradition and acceptance of body diversity.

Origin of 'undress'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not' or 'reverse of', combined with 'dress', which originally meant to put clothes on.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved from 'undressen', which indicated the action of removing clothing.
  • Historically, 'dress' referred to both dressing and undressing, with context determining the meaning.

The word 'undress' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'reverse the action of' and the word 'dress'. Initially used in the context of changing from one's formal or daytime attire to more casual or informal clothing, it later evolved to also refer to the act of removing one's clothes entirely. Over time, 'undress' has come to connote both a physical action and a state of vulnerability or intimacy.

See also: dress, dressed, dresser, dressing, dressmaker, headdress, redress, underdress, undressed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,697, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.