Definition

To pull a sword or knife out of its cover or case.

Example

He decided to unsheathe his sword before entering the dark cave.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how he unsheathed his sword during that scene?

Yeah, it was so dramatic and intense!

I wish I could unsheathe a weapon like that in a movie.

Right? It would be such a cool moment!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsheathe → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "sheathe" (from Old English "sceathian", meaning to put a sword into a sheath). The word "unsheathe" means to take a sword out of its sheath, or to draw a weapon.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not putting away' ('un-') a sword ('sheathe') — that's why unsheathe means to draw a sword out.

Visually Confused Words