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to unrein

to unrein

9.9
To take the reins or other ties off something so it can move
  • verb
  • /ˌʌnˈriːn/
translation icon : desensillar
  • The handler carefully unreined the horse before letting it run in the field.

Examples

  • Please unrein the horse before riding it.

  • The trainer unreined the stallion after the race.

  • After the storm, workers unreined the tarps covering the supplies.

  • She unreined the boat from its moorings and set off down the river.

  • The rider carefully unreined the horse to let it gallop freely across the pasture.

  • Before letting her ride the horse, she unreined it to give it more freedom of movement.

  • He decided to unrein the horse after it had calmed down from the excitement of the crowd.

Synonyms

to untie
vsto unrein
91 1.0

Make a knot or lace loose by undoing it

is about removing rein control specifically to allow freer motion
to undo
vsto unrein
21 1.3

Unfasten something that is tied or fastened

means specifically letting go of reins to give greater freedom
to unchain
vsto unrein
6 4.1

Remove chains and other things that hold someone so they are free

is like this but usually involves letting go of reins
to unshackle
vsto unrein
5 6.5

Free someone or something from limits and control

applies this idea mainly to easing reins to increase freedom
to unfasten
vsto unrein
5 3.4

To open something by undoing a button or zipper

targets freeing control by letting reins loose rather than any fastener
to unstrap
vsto unrein
4 3.9

To take off a belt or band that holds something in place

focuses on releasing guiding control rather than just a strap
to unbind
vsto unrein
3 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

is focused on removing rein-like control to grant freedom
to unbridle
vsto unrein
2 8.8

Take the bridle off a horse

focuses especially on freeing from reins to increase freedom
to unloose
vsto unrein
  • Archaic
1 7.0

To make something less tight or set something free

is similar but highlights freeing from reins to allow movement
to untether
vsto unrein
1 6.6

To release something that is tied or fastened so it can move away

instead concentrates on removing hand-held control to increase movement
to unconstrain
vsto unrein
1 7.4

To take away rules or limits so it can work more freely

is more concrete, meaning freeing from reins to permit movement
to unharness
vsto unrein
1 7.2

To take off the straps and gear that connect a horse or other working animal to a vehicle

is about freeing from reins specifically for more freedom
to untack
vsto unrein
  • Jargon
9.1

To take off a horse's saddle and other riding gear after a ride

centres on loosening control via reins rather than all equipment
to unloosen
vsto unrein
  • Archaic
7.2

To make something less tight or free it from something holding it

specifically means removing hand-held control to permit more freedom
to unlash
vsto unrein
7.4

Untie rope or straps that hold something in place

is similar but mainly means freeing reins to increase freedom

Antonyms

86 4.6

Hold a person or thing so it cannot move freely

69 4.9

To control and hold back people or things

How Free

to release
1.8
to unrein
9.9
to loosen
88 1.0

Surface Forms

unrein infinitive
unreined past
unreined past participle
unreining present participle
unreins third person singular

Morphology

unrein = rein (transparent) = un + rein

The prefix 'un-' clearly indicates the reversal of the action of 'rein', making the meaning transparent.

Etymology

Unrein as a verb comes from putting un- 'remove' before rein 'control' or the leather straps on a horse, like taking the reins off. So to unrein is to 'release' or loosen control by removing restraints, for example letting a horse run free.