Definition

1. Verb:
   • To remove the rigging from (a ship): "unrig" specifically refers to the act of taking down or dismantling the ropes, sails, and other equipment (the rigging) from a sailing vessel.
   • To disassemble or strip of equipment: More broadly, it can mean to remove the fittings, gear, or apparatus from any structure or system that has been rigged.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The sailors began to unrig the ship after it docked for repairs. (They removed the ropes and sails from the vessel.)
  • The crew had to unrig the damaged mast before hauling it ashore. (They dismantled the rigging attached to the mast.)
  • In modern contexts, workers might unrig a temporary stage after a concert. (They remove the supporting equipment and fixtures.)

Advanced Usage

• "to unrig a ship": the primary and most technical use, common in nautical contexts.

  • The captain ordered the hands to unrig the topmasts for the winter. (The sailors were instructed to remove the upper masts and their rigging.)

• "unrigged" (adjective): describing a vessel that has had its rigging removed.

  • The old schooner lay unrigged in the harbour, awaiting restoration. (The ship was without its sails and ropes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rig (verb/noun): to equip (a ship) with sails and ropes; also, the arrangement of sails and masts.

  • They had to rig the ship before setting sail. (They installed the necessary equipment.)

• Rigging (noun): the system of ropes, chains, and tackle used to support and control the sails on a ship.

  • The rigging was old and needed replacement. (The network of ropes was worn out.)

• Unrigging (noun): the process or act of removing rigging.

  • The unrigging of the vessel took several hours. (The dismantling process was time-consuming.)

Synonyms

• Dismantle: to take apart a structure or piece of equipment.
  • They had to dismantle the scaffolding after the building was finished. (They removed it piece by piece.)
• Strip: to remove all covering or equipment from something.
  • The team stripped the boat of its sails and ropes. (They removed everything attached.)
• Disassemble: to take something apart into its component pieces.
  • He disassembled the engine to clean it. (He took it apart carefully.)

Phrasal Verbs

• • They took down the rigging before the storm. (They removed the ropes and sails.)

Related Idioms