untie

verb

un·​tie ˌən-ˈtī 

untied; untying or untieing

transitive verb

1

: to free from something that ties, fastens, or restrains : unbind

untied our hands

2

a

: to disengage the knotted parts of

untie a shoe

b

: disentangle, resolve

untie a traffic jam

intransitive verb

: to become loosened or unbound

Synonyms

• unbind
• undo
• unfasten
• unlash

Examples of untie in a Sentence

He untied the package and opened it.

She untied the horse from the post.

Recent Examples on the Web

Microsoft tried to assuage the EU’s concerns by untying Teams in Europe before expanding the policy to around the world in April. —Daxia Rojas, Fortune Europe, 26 Sep. 2024

Soon, Sally was untying her boat from a float, turning on its engine, and steering it away, headed for her island home. —Anna Holmes, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024

At the zoo, Perfetti, who wore a backpack, deliberately untied sneakers, and tech-fabric gym clothes, had a straightforward objective: check out the lion exhibit. —André Wheeler, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

Plus, the hook closure held the top securely (and never comes unintentionally untied). —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 16 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

untie

verb

un·​tie ˌən-ˈtī 

ˈən-

untied; untying or untieing

1

: to free from something that ties or fastens : unbind

untie a horse

2

a

: to undo the knotted parts of

untied her scarf

b

: to straighten out : resolve

untie a traffic jam

3

: to become loosened or unbound

the strings untied easily