Definition

Verb: 1. To remove the strings from (a musical instrument, bow, etc.): The primary meaning refers to the physical act of taking off or detaching the strings. 2. To loosen or relax the strings of: This can mean making the strings less taut without fully removing them. 3. Figuratively, to upset the nerves or composure of; to unnerve: An extended, psychological meaning describing the act of causing someone to become emotionally unsettled or distressed.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Removing strings):
  • Before shipping the antique violin, the luthier carefully unstrung it to prevent damage.
  • The first step in cleaning the harp is to unstring it completely.
• Literal (Loosening strings):
  • You should unstring your tennis racket when you're not using it for long periods.
  • He unstrung the bow after the hunt.
• Figurative (Upsetting nerves):
  • The constant pressure and criticism began to unstring the usually calm diplomat.
  • The sudden, loud noise in the silent house completely unstrung her.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The word is the direct opposite of "to string" (e.g., to string a guitar, to string a bow).
• The figurative use is now less common than the literal one but is still understood, often found in literary or descriptive contexts to convey a deep sense of disturbance.
• Grammatical Form: The past tense and past participle are unstrung.

Variants and Related Words

• Unstrung (adjective): Describes a state of being emotionally upset or nervous.
  • She felt completely unstrung after the argument.
• String (verb): The antonym; to fit or provide with strings.
• Restring (verb): To put new strings on an instrument.

Synonyms

• For removing/loosening strings: Detach, remove, loosen, slacken.
• For upsetting nerves: Unnerve, disconcert, upset, agitate, fluster, rattle.

Antonyms

• String (verb), tense (verb), compose (verb), steady (verb).

Idioms and Phrases

• While "unstring" itself is not commonly used in modern idioms, the concept is related to the idiom "to be (all) strung out," which means to be extremely tense, anxious, or exhausted, often due to stress or drug use. "Unstring" describes the action that could lead to such a state.

Verb

1. remove the strings from
   • unstring my guitar