ungird
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To remove or loosen a belt or girdle: "ungird" means to take off or slacken a belt or girdle, typically worn around the waist.
- To free from restraint: By extension, "ungird" can mean to release or untie something that is bound or secured.
Usage Examples
- (He removed the belt holding his sword.)
- (She loosened the belt of her robe.)
- (He unfastened the rope that was tied around him.)
Advanced Usage
- "to ungird one's mind" (figurative): to release mental tension or constraints.
- After the exam, he ungirded his mind and allowed himself to rest. (He freed his mind from stress.)
- "to ungird a burden" (figurative): to relieve someone of a heavy load or responsibility.
- The manager ungirded the team of excessive paperwork. (He removed the burden of unnecessary tasks.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ungirded (adj): having the girdle or belt removed; unbound.
- The ungirded tunic hung loosely on his shoulders. (The tunic was no longer held by a belt.)
- Ungirding (n): the act of removing or loosening a girdle.
- The ungirding of the ceremonial belt marked the end of the ritual. (The removal of the belt signalled completion.)
Synonyms
- Unfasten: to open or release something that is fastened.
- Loosen: to make something less tight.
- Unbind: to untie or release from bonds.
- Unstrap: to remove a strap or belt.
Antonyms
- Gird: to fasten or secure with a belt or girdle.
- Tighten: to make something more taut or secure.
Related Idioms
- Ungird one's loins: a biblical or literary phrase meaning to prepare for action (often the opposite of "gird one's loins," which means to prepare for a task).
- He ungirded his loins and surrendered to rest. (He relaxed after being ready for action.)