Definition

1. Verb:
   • To undo the making of; to destroy or annul the existence, form, or qualities of something previously created or established. This is the core meaning, focusing on reversing a creation or construction.
   • To depose from a position of power or authority; to strip of rank or status. This meaning applies to positions, titles, or authority that were previously granted or established.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The new CEO vowed to unmake the disastrous policies of his predecessor. (He promised to reverse/undo the policies.)
  • The artist, dissatisfied with her sculpture, decided to unmake it and start over with a new block of clay. (She decided to destroy its form.)
  • The revolution sought to unmake the old social order and build a new one. (It aimed to destroy the established order.)
  • The board voted to unmake him as chairman due to the scandal. (They voted to depose him from the position.)

Advanced Usage

• "to unmake a bed": To strip the sheets and blankets from a bed after it has been made. This is a common, literal domestic use.

  • Please unmake the guest bed so I can wash the linens.

• "to unmake a decision": To formally reverse or annul a previous decision. This usage is more formal or literary.

  • The court's ruling effectively unmade the lower court's decision.

Variants and Related Words

• Unmade (adj): Not made; in a natural or original state. Also, (of a bed) with the sheets and blankets removed.

  • The road was still unmade and full of potholes.
  • I left the bed unmade this morning.

• Maker (n): One who makes. (Contrasts with "unmaker").

• Remake (v): To make again or differently. (An antonymic concept to "unmake").

Synonyms

• Destroy: To damage something so severely that it no longer exists or functions.
• Undo: To reverse the effects of an action; to cancel.
• Annul: To declare invalid; to make legally void.
• Depose: To remove from office or a position of power.
• Dismantle: To take apart piece by piece.

Antonyms

• Make: To create, construct, or form.
• Establish: To set up on a firm or permanent basis.
• Appoint: To assign a job or role to someone.

Related Phrases

• "The power to make and unmake": A phrase often used in political or leadership contexts to describe ultimate authority, such as the power to appoint and dismiss.
  • The king held the power to make and unmake nobles at his will.

Verb

1. deprive of certain characteristics