Untie: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'untie' when referring to freeing or releasing something tied with knots, such as shoelaces, ropes, or strings.

• I need to untie my shoes before entering the house.
• The sailor untied the knots to free the boat.

Use 'undo' when referring to reversing an action or restoring something to its original state. It can apply to various contexts, like buttons, mistakes, or actions.

• I accidentally sent the email, and now I can't undo it.
• Can you undo the button on your jacket?

Use 'unfasten' when referring to opening or releasing something that is fastened, such as belts, seatbelts, or clips.

• Please unfasten your seatbelt before getting out of the car.
• She needed to unfasten her backpack to find her notebook.

Use 'loosen' when referring to making something less tight or less firmly fixed. It can apply to various situations, like adjusting screws, clothes, or controls.

• Please loosen the screw a bit so we can adjust the shelf.
• After a long day, I like to loosen my tie.

Used when talking about physically untying knots, ropes, or something that has been tied.

• Rachel asked Tom to untie the knots in her shoelaces.
• He had to untie the ropes around the package before opening it.

Used when letting someone or something go from a confinement or restraint; can be used in formal and informal contexts.

• The company decided to release the new product next month.
• After many months in captivity, the hostages were finally released.

Typically used in more formal or serious contexts, such as freeing someone from social, political, or mental oppression; it often implies a significant or heroic effort.

• The soldiers were able to liberate the town from enemy control.
• The therapy sessions helped to liberate her from deep-seated fears.

Used in a broad sense of making someone or something not restrained; often used when talking about freedom from constraints, obligations, or captivity.

• The activist's speech aimed to inspire people to fight for their rights and free themselves from oppression.
• He worked hard to free his mind from negative thoughts.