to unspell

1 9.9

To remove a magic spell from someone or something

verb
/ʌnˈspɛl/

: desencantar

After hours of studying ancient texts, the mage finally discovered how to unspell the enchanted artifact.

Examples

Just unspell me!

Twitches (2005)
The wizard was able to unspell the enchanted princess and bring her back to her true self.
To free the villagers from the witch's curse, the sorcerer had to unspell the entire area.

Synonyms

to release

vsto unspell

∞ 1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

releases influence of a magical spell rather than physical restraint

to dispel

vsto unspell

40 4.6

To make a feeling or idea go away

removes a magical spell's hold rather than merely ending ideas

to disenchant

vsto unspell

1 7.1

Make someone stop believing an idea that is not true or realistic

is specifically about removing an actual magical spell

to disenthrall

vsto unspell

Archaic

1 9.9

To free someone from control or false ideas

focuses on freeing from a magical spell rather than social control

Antonyms

to spell

2 8.2

Use magic words or actions to control someone

Surface Forms

unspell infinitive

unspelled past

unspelled past participle

unspelling present participle

unspells third person singular

Morphology

unspell = spell (semi-transparent) = un + spell

The prefix 'un-' indicates reversal, but the specific context of reversing a magical spell is not a standard derivation and may not be obvious to all learners.

Etymology

Unspell comes from the prefix un- meaning 'remove' and spell meaning 'a magic word or charm', so to unspell someone is to take away a spell and free them from magic, like 'undo' for magic.