unhappen

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ʌnˈhæpən//

KK: /ʌnˈhæpən/

verb

Definition

To stop something from having happened or to reverse an event.

Example

He wished he could unhappen the mistake he made yesterday.

Tense Forms

Past: unhappened

Past Participle: unhappened

Conversation

I really wish I could just unhappen that embarrassing moment from yesterday.

I know how you feel, but everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

True, but if only we could actually unhappen things like that!

Right? It would make life so much easier!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

reverse

nullify

cancel

Antonyms

happen

occur

transpire

Root Explanation

This word originates from the prefix 'un-' (meaning not) and the root 'happen' (from Old English 'hæppan', meaning to occur or take place). The word 'unhappen' means to negate or reverse an occurrence or event.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') allowing something to 'occur' ('happen') — that's why 'unhappen' means to make something not occur.

Visually Confused Words

unshapen

unheppen