unstring

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to remove the string or strings from a bow, musical instrument, or similar object

   The instructor told the archers to unstring their bows before putting them away.

2. 2
   verb

   to make someone emotionally upset, nervous, or unable to remain composed

   The sudden accusation left the normally calm witness completely unstrung.

Formed from the reversative prefix un- + string. The literal sense is to remove or loosen strings. The figurative sense, now most familiar in the participle unstrung, treats a person's nerves or composure as strings whose tension and order have been disturbed.

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