unlace
Americanverb (used with object)
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to loosen or undo the lacing or laces of (a pair of shoes, a corset, etc.).
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to loosen or remove the garments of (a person) by or as if by undoing laces.
verb
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to loosen or undo the lacing of (shoes, garments, etc)
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to unfasten or remove garments of (oneself or another) by or as if by undoing lacing
Etymology
Origin of unlace
First recorded in 1300–50, unlace is from the Middle English word unlacen. See un- 2, lace
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Taking your shoes on and off again 一 especially if you go outside often in shoes that take a while to unlace 一 can be a real headache.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023
When the door finally opened two hours later, she must have seen it on his face, because she didn’t even unlace her shoes.
From Slate • Sep. 24, 2022
He leaned forward to unlace his sneakers and take a drink.
From Washington Post • Dec. 8, 2017
For others, such as cornerback Casey Hayward, it doesn’t require much thought — just unlace and do what you’re told.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2017
Elodin crouched down and began to unlace his shoes.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
