unlace

[ uhn-leys ]

verb (used with object)

, un·laced, un·lac·ing.

1. to loosen or undo the lacing or laces of (a pair of shoes, a corset, etc.).
2. to loosen or remove the garments of (a person) by or as if by undoing laces.

unlace

/ ʌnˈleɪs /

verb

1. to loosen or undo the lacing of (shoes, garments, etc)
2. to unfasten or remove garments of (oneself or another) by or as if by undoing lacing

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlace¹

First recorded in 1300–50, unlace is from the Middle English word unlacen. See un- ², lace

Example Sentences

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

He didn’t even wait to come off the field before unlacing his cleats, lowering his socks and removing his shin guards.

From Seattle Times

When the feds roll up to her boxy corner house in a leafy suburb, Winner is outside in cutoff jean shorts, a white button-down shirt, and unlaced yellow Converse.

From Los Angeles Times

“All right, I got you,” Abdul said, as he unlaced Eric’s shoes and started to warm his feet in his hands.

From New York Times

I light the lamp and start unlacing his boots.

From Literature

Related Words

• alleviate
• break up
• ease
• loose
• relax
• slacken
• undo
• unlock
• unscrew
• untie