unsteel

[ uhn-steel ]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring out of a steeled condition; soften.

unsteel

/ ʌnˈstiːl /

verb

1. tr to make (the heart, feelings, etc) more gentle or compassionate

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsteel¹

First recorded in 1740–50; un- ² + steel

Example Sentences

Here then a sense of the supernatural combined with novelty to unsteel his heart.

From Project Gutenberg

Unsteel, un-stēl, v.t. to soften, to disarm.

From Project Gutenberg

Sense with keenest edge unused, Yet unsteel'd by scathing fire; Lovely feet as yet unbruised, On the ways of dark desire; Sweetest hope that lookest smiling O'er the wilderness defiling!

From Project Gutenberg

The more we drown the disabled in tea and lip gratitude the more we unsteel his soul, and the harder we make it for him to win through, when, in the years to come, the wells of our tea and gratitude have dried up.

From Project Gutenberg

He spoke, and raised His long-tried sword; high o'er the youth it blazed— "Accept the sacrifice!" with voice serene The youth re-echoed, and unalter'd mien: When lo! that practised arm, which once could rear The ponderous mace, and couch the winged spear, That arm, by some superior force unsteel'd, Shook, and the sword dropp'd idly on the field.

From Project Gutenberg