unwish

[ uhn-wish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cease to wish for.
2. Obsolete. to wish away.

unwish

/ ʌnˈwɪʃ /

verb

1. to retract or revoke (a wish)
2. to desire (something) not to be or take place

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwish¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ² + wish

Example Sentences

“It’s a dangerous thing,” she said to herself as she 172 sank down upon the cushions, “to wish for a thing unless you really want it, because if your wish comes true, you are just as apt as not to unwish it, and then things are in a muddle.”

From Project Gutenberg

When fear’d the future, ’tis no longer wish’d; 1314 And, when unwish’d, we strive to disbelieve.

From Project Gutenberg

I never married; wish I had—and then Unwish it: people kill their wives, sometimes!

From Project Gutenberg

Let him frown, If to his parent's deeds we his prefer; Yet fame quite free will such commands despise, Give him unwish'd-for precedence; and here, And here alone he'll disobedience find.

From Project Gutenberg

I suppose you think the circumstances, whatever they may be, have warranted the act; but that act puts a stigma on your name which makes it unfit for any woman to bear; and if you have any spark of manhood left, you’ll unwish the wish—you will unthink the thought—that I would wait—or even want you—ever—to come back.”

From Project Gutenberg