unravel

American  

[uhn-rav-uhl] / ʌnˈræv əl /

verb (used with object)

unraveled, unraveling, unravelled, unravelling

1. to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).

2. to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve.

   to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.

3. Informal. to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).

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verb (used without object)

unraveled, unraveling, unravelled, unravelling

1. to become unraveled.

unravel British  

/ ʌnˈrævəl /

verb

1. (tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands

2. (tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted)

3. (tr) to explain or solve

   the mystery was unravelled

4. (intr) to become unravelled

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Other Word Forms

• unraveler noun
• unraveller noun
• unravelment noun

Etymology

Origin of unravel

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + ravel

Example Sentences

When that alignment has broken down in De Zerbi's career - when ownership or a director of football has pulled in a different direction - the project has quickly unravelled.

From BBC

It’s like my cousin is tethered to me by an invisible braid that we cannot unravel until Labor Day.

From Literature

But that is only one of many rule complexities that have followed, and unravelling them to improve qualifying without affecting the perceived positive impacts on racing will not be easy.

From BBC

To unravel the innovative winning streak of the Labs, start by looking at what might be called its situational advantages.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our home honestly felt like it was unravelling," he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• decipher
• resolve
• solve
• undo
• untangle