undo Hear it!

undo Definition

undo (un do̵̅o̅′)

transitive verb -·did′, -·done′, -·do′·ing

    1. to release or untie (a fastening)
    2. to open (a parcel, door, etc.) by this means
  2. to reverse the doing of (something accomplished); do away with; cancel; annul
  3. to put an end to; bring to ruin, disgrace, or downfall
  4. to upset emotionally; perturb
  5. Obsolete to interpret; explain

Etymology: ME undon < OE < un-, un- + don, to do

undo Related Forms

un·do′er noun

undo Synonyms

undo

v.

  1. To unfasten

    untie, loosen, release; see unhitch.

  2. To bring to ruin

    mar, destroy, ruin, wreck, break, bring to naught, subvert, injure, overthrow, unsettle, turn topsy-turvy, upset, defeat.

  3. To reverse

    annul, cancel, do away with, invalidate; see cancel 2.

undo Usage Examples

Object

  • bolt: The answer was to undo the back bolt to allow the seat to be lifted to allow the nuts to be positioned.
  • screw: The only thing that will undo socket head screws.
  • nut: The problems only started once I tried to undo the main clutch nut securing the inner clutch drum to the gearbox shaft.
  • knot: This was absurd, as it was impossible for him to get the partially paralyzed left hand above his head and undo the knots.
  • zip: Leaving sleeves rolled up or zips undone will fail to protect workers from being contaminated with pesticides or biocides.
  • strap: Slacken the left shoulder strap, undo any straps crossing the chest.

Subject

  • goal: The home side were undone by a fourth minute goal from Wrexham striker Craig Faulconbridge.
  • bounce: The trademark big drives were just starting when he too was undone by the bounce and left for 71.

Adjective complement

many: The Balkan wars undid him, as they have undone many.

Modifying Another Word

  • utterly: Father Garnet cried, 'We are all utterly undone ' .
  • left: And by Monday - when I ring the taxman - I reckon I should be squared away nicely with regard to work left undone.
  • easily: Still, easily undone, now that he's spotted them.
  • again: All Windsor's hard work was undone again midway through the half.
  • almost: Some nice moments but also a few that almost undo all the work that you have managed to achieve.
  • simply: To lower the car once the wheel had been changed, simply undo the release knob two or three turns.

Used with why or when

  • what: He made the decision to move to London to undo what some of good living had done.
  • when: But Bury's hard work appeared to be undone when Swansea were awarded their penalty.

Preposition: in

time: This will help to ensure that they can be undone in a few years time.

Preposition: of

work: The reports make clear that the transfer would be likely to undo much of the good work to which I have referred.

Preposition: by

goal: The home side were undone by a fourth minute goal from Wrexham striker Craig Faulconbridge.