unglue

[ uhn-gloo ]

verb (used with object)

, un·glued, un·glu·ing.

1. to separate or detach by or as if by overcoming an adhesive agent:

   to unglue a sticker from a wall.

2. Slang.
   1. to confuse or upset:

      He was unglued by his opponent's superb defense.

   2. to cause to fail or lose effectiveness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unglue¹

First recorded in 1540–50; un- ² + glue

Example Sentences

Nodding to the tactics of Just Stop Oil protests, Mr Sunak urged Sir Keir to "unglue himself from the fence" and call on consultants and junior doctors to end their strike action.

From BBC

And I can’t unglue her arms from around my neck.

From Literature

Misinformation is tough to unglue on a continent where big pharmaceutical companies have in the past run dubious clinical trials resulting in deaths.

From Reuters

It took 20 minutes for police officers to unglue Farhana Yamin from Shell’s offices in London.

From New York Times

Along with the Chiefs, and all the problems they create with the inimitable Mahomes, Hill’s blazing speed and tight end Travis Kelce’s knack for big plays, the Arrowhead din can unglue teams.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dampen
• daunt
• debilitate
• deject
• disconcert
• discourage
• dishearten
• disorganize
• dispirit
• disturb
• embarrass
• sap
• undermine
• unsettle
• upset
• weaken