unmake

/'ʌn'meik/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
unmake

The child's tantrum threatened to unmake the carefully built tower of blocks.

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.
unmake

The child's tantrum threatened to unmake the carefully built tower of blocks.

Verb
  1. deprive of certain characteristics

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ trái nghĩa