undress

[ uhn-dres ]

verb (used with object)

, un·dressed or un·drest, un·dress·ing.

1. to take the clothes off (a person); disrobe.
2. to remove the dressing from (a wound, sore, etc.).
3. to strip or divest of or as if of a covering; expose:

   to undress a pretense.

verb (used without object)

, un·dressed or un·drest, un·dress·ing.

1. to take off one's clothes.

noun

1. dress of a style designed to be worn on other than highly formal or ceremonial occasions; informal dress as opposed to full dress.
2. dress of a style not designed to be worn in public; dishabille; negligee:

   She couldn't receive guests in such a state of undress.

3. the condition of being unclothed; nakedness.

adjective

1. of or relating to clothing of a style less formal than full dress:

   undress uniform.

2. characterized by informality of dress, manners, or the like:

   an undress dinner party.

undress

verb

1. to take off clothes from (oneself or another)
2. tr to strip of ornamentation
3. tr to remove the dressing from (a wound)

noun

1. partial or complete nakedness
2. informal or normal working clothes or uniform

adjective

1. characterized by or requiring informal or normal working dress or uniform

Word History and Origins

Origin of undress¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + dress

Example Sentences

The accuser says that during their conversation, Mr Combs abruptly ordered him to undress.

From BBC

He was found to have got some of his victims to undress unnecessarily, pressed his body against them and touched their breasts without any medical purpose.

From BBC

They further claim that, once in the home, the men were told to undress in the kitchen, and then to warm their hands with hot water or on a radiator.

From BBC

She was even forced to undress and be photographed nude by doctors.

From Salon

She was forced to undress and be photographed nude by doctors.

From New York Times

Related Words

• disrobe
• unmask