undo
UK: ʌnˈduː | US: ʌnˈduː
vt. to reverse or cancel the effects of an action
vt. to open or unfasten something tied or wrapped
vt. (computing) to revert a file or command to a previous state
undo = un<reverse> + do<perform>
- un-: A prefix of Germanic origin meaning "not" or "reverse," used to negate or invert the action of the root word.
- do: From Old English dōn, meaning "to perform, act, or execute."
Etymology Origin:
The word "undo" combines the Old English prefix un- (indicating reversal) with the verb do, creating a straightforward compound meaning "to reverse an action." This logical pairing has persisted in Modern English, retaining its core sense of negation or reversal across literal (e.g., unfastening) and abstract (e.g., canceling effects) contexts.
She quickly pressed Ctrl+Z to undo the accidental deletion.
Can you undo this knot? It’s too tight.
The damage to his reputation was impossible to undo.
He regretted his harsh words but couldn’t undo them.
The update allows users to undo changes within 30 seconds.