unsheathe
/' n' i: /
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To draw or pull (a weapon, especially a sword or knife) out from its protective covering, such as a sheath or scabbard.
Usage
- The verb "unsheathe" is used to describe the specific action of removing a bladed weapon from its case. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the thing being drawn).
- It is most commonly associated with swords, knives, or daggers.
- The action often implies preparation for use, such as for combat, ceremony, or display.
Examples
- Verb:
- The samurai unsheathed his katana with a swift, fluid motion.
- As the threat grew closer, she unsheathed her dagger in readiness.
- For the inspection, the officer was required to unsheathe his ceremonial sword.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: While primarily literal, "unsheathe" can be used figuratively to mean to reveal or unleash something powerful or aggressive.
- The journalist unsheathed her pen, ready to expose the corruption. (Here, the pen is metaphorically treated like a weapon drawn for action.)
- The general unsheathed his final strategy against the enemy.
Variants and Related Words
- Sheathe (verb): The direct antonym. To put (a weapon) into a sheath.
- After the duel, he carefully sheathed his sword.
- Unsheathed (adjective): Describing a weapon that has been drawn or is not in its sheath.
- He stood guard with an unsheathed blade.
Synonyms
- Draw: To pull out (a weapon). ("Draw your sword" is a very common synonym.)
- Pull out: A more general phrase.
- Bare: To uncover or expose (archaic or literary in this context, e.g., "to bare one's steel").
Antonyms
- Sheathe: To put into a sheath.
- Holster: To put (a pistol) into a holster (specific to firearms).
Related Phrases/Idioms
- "To unsheathe the sword": A classic phrase meaning to prepare for or to begin fighting or conflict.
- The king's declaration was seen as unsheathing the sword against the neighboring kingdom.
Verb
- draw from a sheath or scabbard
- the knight unsheathed his sword