unlive

[ uhn-liv ]

verb (used with object)

, un·lived, un·liv·ing.

1. to undo or reverse (past life, experiences, etc.):

   to unlive his crimes by making retribution.

unlive

/ ʌnˈlɪv /

verb

1. tr to live so as to nullify, undo, or live down (past events or times)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlive¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ² + live ¹

Example Sentences

I can’t really imagine, had I not gotten the chance to practice and do this work, how unlived my life would feel.

From New York Times

So where do you draw the line between unliving protein and living organism?

From Salon

“Up to a certain point, I’m living their unlived lives,” she said.

From New York Times

“The ghosts of those unlived lives circle close around Mr. McNamara.”

From Los Angeles Times

What the psychoanalyst Adam Phillips calls “the unlived life” is the one that invariably seems to preoccupy them most.

From Los Angeles Times