unravel

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To gradually understand or solve something complicated, such as a mystery or problem.

   Detectives slowly began to unravel the truth behind the crime.

2. 2
   verb

   To separate the threads of something woven or knitted, or to come apart in this way.

   The old sweater started to unravel at the cuffs.

3. 3
   verb

   To fall apart or fail after seeming to work or hold together.

   Their carefully made plans began to unravel at the last minute.

PIE word *h₂énti From un- (suffix denoting the inverse of the specified action) + ravel. cognates * Dutch ontrafelen (“to unravel”)

Topics