Definition

1. Verb:
   • To untie or unfasten something that is bound: "unbind" means to release something from being tied, fastened, or secured, often by removing a physical restraint like a rope, bandage, or bond.
   • To set free from an obligation or constraint: In a more figurative sense, "unbind" can mean to liberate someone from a promise, duty, or other non-physical constraint.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The nurse will unbind the patient's bandages to check the wound.
  • Please unbind the old books carefully to preserve the pages.
  • The new law seeks to unbind citizens from outdated restrictions.

Advanced Usage

• "to unbind oneself from": to free oneself from a commitment or tie.

  • She sought to unbind herself from the contract that was holding her back.

• "to unbind the hands of": to give someone freedom to act (often figurative).

  • The policy change will unbind the hands of local authorities.

Variants and Related Words

• Unbound (adj): Not bound or tied; free. Also the past tense and past participle of "unbind".

  • The pages of the book were unbound.
  • She unbound the parcel yesterday.

• Binder (n): A cover or device that holds sheets together; something that binds.

• Binding (n/adj): A strong covering holding the pages of a book; having the power to constrain or oblige.

Synonyms

• Untie: To undo a knot or fastening.
• Unfasten: To open or release something that is fixed or closed.
• Loosen: To make something less tight.
• Release: To set free from confinement or restraint.

Antonyms

• Bind: To tie or fasten tightly; to impose an obligation.
• Tie: To fasten or secure with a cord or string.
• Restrain: To prevent someone or something from moving or acting freely.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "unbind" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The action is typically expressed by the single verb.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that use the exact word "unbind." The concept is usually expressed with synonyms like "set free" or "cut loose.")

Verb

1. untie or unfasten
   • unbind the feet of this poor woman