unravel

[ uhn-rav-uh l ]
/ ʌnˈræv əl /

verb (used with object), un·rav·eled, un·rav·el·ing or (especially British) un·rav·elled, un·rav·el·ling.

to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve: to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.
Informal. to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).

verb (used without object), un·rav·eled, un·rav·el·ing or (especially British) un·rav·elled, un·rav·el·ling.

to become unraveled.

Origin of unravel

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

OTHER WORDS FROM unravel

un·rav·el·er; especially British, un·rav·el·ler, noun un·rav·el·ment, noun

Example sentences from the Web for unravel

British Dictionary definitions for unravel

unravel
/ (ʌnˈrævəl) /

verb -els, -elling or -elled or US -els, -eling or -eled

(tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands
(tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted)
(tr) to explain or solve the mystery was unravelled
(intr) to become unravelled

Derived forms of unravel

unraveller, noun unravelment, noun