unfold

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   open to the view

   A walk through town will unfold many interesting buildings

2. 2
   verb

   To undo a folding.

   to unfold a map; to unfold a tablecloth; She unpacks the new dress and unfolds it carefully.

3. 3
   verb

   To become unfolded.

   The curtains unfolded to reveal the stage.

4. 4
   verb

   To turn out; to happen; to develop.

   Events unfolded in an unexpected way.

5. 5
   verb

   To lay open to view or contemplation; to bring out in all the details, or by successive development; to reveal.

   to unfold one's designs; to unfold the principles of a science

6. 6
   verb

   To release from a fold or pen.

   to unfold sheep

7. 7
   verb

   develop or come to a promising stage

8. 8
   verb

   spread out or open from a closed or folded state

Etymology

From Middle English unfolden, from Old English unfealdan (“to unfold”), equivalent to un- + fold.