unmoor
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ʌnˈmʊr//
KK: /ʌnˈmʊr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To release a boat or ship from its moorings so that it can move freely.
Example
The captain decided to unmoor the ship early in the morning.
Tense Forms
Past: unmoored
Past Participle: unmoored
Conversation
Are we ready to unmoor the boat and head out?
I think so! Just double-checking the supplies.
Great! Once we unmoor, we can explore that island we talked about.
I can't wait! It’ll be an adventure.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
depart
drift
sail
Antonyms
moor
dock
anchor
transitive verb
Definition
To free a ship from its moorings or anchors so that it can move away.
Example
The captain decided to unmoor the ship early in the morning.
Tense Forms
Past: unmoored
Past Participle: unmoored
Conversation
Are you ready to set sail this weekend?
Definitely! But we need to unmoor the boat first.
Right, I almost forgot about that part.
Root Explanation
Unmoor → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or to reverse) and "moor" (from Old English *morian*, meaning to secure a ship by anchoring). The word "unmoor" means to release a ship from its mooring or to set it free from being secured.
Memory Tip
Think of 'un-' meaning to reverse or not, and 'moor' meaning to secure a ship. So, unmoor means to set a ship free from being secured.
Visually Confused Words
moor
lungmotor