untie
UK: ʌnˈtaɪ | US: ʌnˈtaɪ
vt. to loosen or undo a knot or bond
vt. to free from restraint or obligation
The word "untie" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not" or "reverse action") with the root "tie" (Old English "tīgan," meaning "to bind"). The prefix "un-" negates or reverses the action of the root, creating a clear semantic contrast: "tie" means to fasten, while "untie" means to undo that fastening. This logical pairing reflects a common pattern in English where "un-" is added to verbs to indicate reversal (e.g., "lock" → "unlock").
She struggled to untie the knot in the shoelaces.
The magician asked a volunteer to untie the ropes.
He untied the boat from the dock and set sail.
The agreement was untied after negotiations failed.
Can you untie this ribbon without cutting it?