Unmake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unmake
[ʌnˈmeɪk ]
Definition
reverse action
To unmake something means to undo the process of making it. It refers to the act of dismantling, destroying, or nullifying something that has previously been created or put together. This term can apply to various contexts, such as removing an object, disassembling a structure, or reversing a decision. The term is often used in creative or artistic settings where a completed work is taken apart or altered significantly.
Synonyms
destroy, dismantle, nullify, reverse, undo.
Examples of usage
- She decided to unmake the sculpture she created last year.
- In the novel, the protagonist wishes he could unmake his mistakes.
- They unmade the furniture to transport it more easily.
- The editor had to unmake the changes made to the document.
Translations
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Origin of 'unmake'
The term 'unmake' is a compound word formed by the prefix 'un-', which means 'to reverse the action of' and the verb 'make,' which derives from the Old English 'macian,' meaning 'to create or form.' The prefix 'un-' is prevalent in the English language for negating the meanings of words, indicating the opposite or removal of the action expressed by the verb. The combination signifies the act of reversing or taking apart what has been constructed or established. The use of 'unmake' can be traced back to early literature, where it appeared in contexts involving the tearing down of created elements or the undoing of decisions. Its poetic and practical implications have allowed it to be employed flexibly in various discourses, extending from literary descriptions to everyday speech.