unharness
/'ʌn'hɑ:nis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To remove a harness from: The primary meaning is to take off the set of straps and fittings by which an animal, especially a horse, is fastened to a cart, plow, or other object and is controlled.
- To free from restraint or equipment: In a broader or figurative sense, it can mean to release from any form of constraint, control, or encumbrance.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- After a long day of work, the farmer unharnessed the horses and led them to the stable.
- The first step in grooming is to safely unharness the animal.
- The new policy aims to unharness the creative potential of the employees. (figurative usage)
Advanced Usage
- "to unharness oneself from": to free or detach oneself from a restrictive situation or obligation.
- She sought to unharness herself from the burdens of her past.
- Passive Voice: Often used to describe the state of being freed.
- The old carriage stood in the field, its horses long since unharnessed.
Variants and Related Words
- Unharnessed (adj): Not fitted with or freed from a harness; unrestrained.
- The unharnessed energy of the young athletes was remarkable.
- Harness (v/n): The act of putting on a harness or the equipment itself. This is the direct antonym of the verb 'unharness'.
Synonyms
- Unbridle: To remove a bridle (a part of a harness) from; often used interchangeably in the context of freeing a horse.
- Unyoke: To release from a yoke (a wooden beam used between a pair of animals); similar in concept but for a different type of harness.
- Free: A general synonym for releasing from restraint.
- Release: To set free from confinement or constraint.
Antonyms
- Harness (v): To put a harness on; to bring under control for a purpose.
- Bridle (v): To put a bridle on; to bring under control.
- Yoke (v): To join with or as if with a yoke; to link or harness together.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: 'Unharness' is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained within the single word.)
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms specifically using the word 'unharness'. Its figurative use often appears in more formal or descriptive prose.)
Verb
- remove the harness from
- unharness a horse