Unlimber: meaning, definitions and examples
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unlimber
[ ʌnˈlɪmbər ]
military action
To unlimber is a military term that refers to the act of removing a weapon from its transport position. This often involves repositioning artillery or other equipment to prepare for use in battle. The term signifies the transition from a state of readiness for movement to a state ready for engagement. In historical contexts, it was commonly used in relation to field artillery during wars.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The soldiers began to unlimber the cannons as they prepared for the battle.
- After advancing to the new position, the crew had to unlimber their artillery quickly.
- To ensure a swift response, the unit trained regularly on how to unlimber and set up their weapons.
- The army practiced maneuvers that included unlimbering their equipment under time pressure.
Translations
Translations of the word "unlimber" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desdobrar
🇮🇳 खोलना
🇩🇪 entfalten
🇮🇩 menggulung
🇺🇦 розгорнути
🇵🇱 rozwinąć
🇯🇵 展開する
🇫🇷 déplier
🇪🇸 desplegar
🇹🇷 açmak
🇰🇷 펼치다
🇸🇦 فتح
🇨🇿 rozvinout
🇸🇰 rozvinúť
🇨🇳 展开
🇸🇮 razviti
🇮🇸 fella út
🇰🇿 ашу
🇬🇪 გახსნა
🇦🇿 açmaq
🇲🇽 desplegar
Etymology
The term 'unlimber' originates from the combination of the prefix 'un-' indicating removal or reversal, and the word 'limber,' which pertains to being flexible or capable of movement. Historically, 'limber' referred to a two-wheeled vehicle used for carrying artillery. The term became more pronounced in military contexts during the 19th century when the use of horse-drawn artillery was prevalent in wars. Soldiers were trained in the rapid removal of artillery pieces from their limbers to transition quickly between movement and combat readiness. Over time, 'unlimber' extended beyond military jargon to imply preparing any complex device or setup for immediate use.