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

A student movement organisation first published the video of the arrest, reporting that Ms Daryaei had an altercation with security agents over not wearing a headscarf, leading to her undressing during the scuffle.

From BBC

The de facto authorities in Gaza have said that several bodies were found undressed and handcuffed, indicating that the victims might have been executed.

From Salon

“Maybe it’ll happen. But I think that there are folks who are undressing the underestimating the idea that maybe Kamala Harris will be underestimated by the polls, at least a week out.”

From Salon

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

From BBC

Other patients alleged that Brock refused to leave the room as they undressed or denied their request for a hospital gown, requiring them to go through examinations naked.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disrobe
• unmask