Definition

To remove the rigging from a ship or boat.

Example

The crew worked hard to unrig the old sailboat before the storm hit.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how they plan to unrig that old boat?

Yeah, it looks like a big job, but it'll be worth it.

I wonder how long it takes to unrig something like that.

Probably a few days; they need to be careful with all the ropes and sails.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unrig → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "rig" (from Old English "rīgan", meaning to arrange or set in order). The word "unrig" means to not arrange or to disassemble something that has been set up.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' or 'opposite' ('un-') when you consider 'rigging' something, which means to arrange it. So, unrig means to take away that arrangement.

Visually Confused Words