Definition

To free someone or something from a place where they are kept or held.

Example

The kind man decided to unmew the trapped bird from its cage.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the cat that got stuck in the garage?

Yeah, I heard it was really upset.

They finally managed to unmew it after hours of trying.

That's a relief! I can't imagine how stressed it must have been.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'unmew' originates from the Old French 'muer' (meaning to change or to molt) with the prefix 'un-' (meaning not). The term originally referred to the act of a hawk being unconfined or released from its mew, which is a place where it is kept during molting.

Memory Tip

Think of a hawk being 'not' confined ('un-') in its place of change ('mew') — that's why 'unmew' means to release or let go.

Visually Confused Words