The word "unmoor" is spelled with a "u" followed by an "n", a "m", and two "o"s. It is pronounced /ʌnˈmʊər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The "u" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, the "n" as a voiced "nnnn" sound, and the "m" as a voiced "mmm" sound. The two "o"s are pronounced as a short "uh" sound followed by a short "oo" sound. This verb means to release a ship from its mooring, allowing it to sail freely.
Unmoor is a verb that refers to the act of disconnecting or releasing a vessel, typically a ship, from its moorings or anchorage in order to set it free or have it navigate without restraint. The term carries the idea of severing the vessel's connection to a fixed point or structure, allowing it to float independently on water.
In a literal sense, unmooring involves detaching the ropes, chains, or other means that secure a ship to a dock or buoys, enabling it to move away. This deliberate action can be undertaken for various reasons, such as to embark on a journey, change the vessel's location, or move it to a safer place during adverse weather conditions.
Metaphorically, unmoor can also be used to describe the act of setting free or liberating oneself from a fixed or established position, often in a figurative sense. It signifies the detachment from familiar surroundings, routines, or beliefs, allowing for a new direction or perspective. Unmooring in this context implies breaking away from one's comfort zone or entrenched circumstances, embracing change or taking risks.
Overall, unmoor represents the act of releasing or disentangling a ship from its restraints or releasing oneself from fixed conditions, serving as a literal or metaphorical expression of liberation, exploration, or embracing new opportunities.
To loose from anchorage, as a ship; to bring to the state of riding with a single anchor.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unmoor" is derived from a combination of two Old English roots: "un-" and "mor".
The prefix "un-" in English is a common negation prefix, indicating the absence, reversal, or opposite of a particular action or quality. In the case of "unmoor", it signifies the opposite of "moor".
The word "moor" comes from the Old English word "mor", meaning "marsh" or "fen". In a nautical context, "to moor" refers to the act of securing a vessel by attaching it to a fixed object, such as an anchor or a pier, to prevent drifting or movement.
Therefore, by combining the negation prefix "un-" with the nautical term "moor", we get "unmoor", which means to remove the securing attachments and set a vessel free from its position, allowing it to drift or move.