unlearn

[ uhn-lurn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to forget or lose knowledge of.
2. to discard or put aside certain knowledge as being false or binding:

   to unlearn preconceptions.

verb (used without object)

1. to lose or discard knowledge.

unlearn

/ ʌnˈlɜːn /

verb

1. to try to forget (something learnt) or to discard (accumulated knowledge)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlearn¹

First recorded in 1400–50, unlearn is from the late Middle English word unlernen. See un- ², learn

Example Sentences

As I've grown, I have been actively working to unlearn this inherited behavior.

From Salon

I've heard women say that it was hard to unlearn it.

From Salon

The real question is, why did Biden choose this moment to spontaneously unlearn the hopeless acceptance?

From Slate

Here’s a terrible fact I wish I could unlearn: Countless men—otherwise respectable husbands and fathers and brothers and boyfriends, perhaps even yours—never bother to wash between the cheeks when they bathe.

From Slate

That means any alert they give to the presence of drugs could be challenged in court because they cannot unlearn the smell of cannabis.

From Seattle Times