The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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undo

verb

/ʌnˈdu/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of undo

To reverse, cancel, or negate a previous action, effect, or outcome.
"She quickly realized her mistake and frantically tried to undo the damage."

Detailed meaning of undo

When we "undo" something, we are attempting to return it to its original state or reverse the changes that have been made. This can apply to a wide range of contexts, such as undoing a mistake, undoing a modification or alteration, or undoing the consequences of a decision. "Undoing" involves taking steps to eliminate or reverse the effects of a particular action, often in an effort to restore a previous condition or to correct an error. It signifies the act of going back in time, metaphorically speaking, to rectify or erase the consequences of something that has occurred.

Example sentences containing undo

1. The software allows users to easily undo any changes they've made.
2. I accidentally pressed the wrong button and had to undo my last action.
3. He regretted his decision and wished he could undo the consequences.
4. The magician performed a trick where he appeared to undo a tied knot with a simple wave of his hand.
5. The team worked tirelessly to undo the negative reputation their company had acquired.
6. The environmental organization is fighting to undo the harmful effects of deforestation.

History and etymology of undo

The verb 'undo' can be understood by examining its two root words: 'un-' and 'do.' In this term, the prefix 'un-' is employed to reverse or negate the action represented by 'do.' 'Do' originates from the Old English word 'don,' which means 'to perform,' 'to act,' or 'to carry out.' It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic 'dōną' and is related to words like 'deed' and 'doing.' Over time, 'undo' evolved in the English language to signify the act of reversing, canceling, or negating a previous action, effect, or outcome. Therefore, 'undo' conveys the idea of undoing something that has been done, often to correct a mistake or restore a previous state, with its etymology deeply rooted in the historical development of 'do' and its association with action and performance.

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Further usage examples of undo

1. After the breakup, she tried to undo her feelings for him by focusing on self-improvement.
2. The chef realized he had added too much salt to the dish and quickly tried to undo the flavor.
3. The court ruling aimed to undo years of discrimination and provide justice to the affected individuals.
4. The child's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist trying to undo the puzzle.
5. The politician promised to undo the policies of the previous administration and bring about positive change.
6. She hoped to undo the damage caused by her thoughtless words.
7. Press Ctrl+Z to undo your last action in the document.
8. The magician's trick was to undo the knots without anyone noticing.
9. It's too late to undo the decision; we must live with it.
10. The engineer worked tirelessly to undo the system's flaws.
11. His apology couldn't undo the hurt he had inflicted.
12. The software update aims to undo the security vulnerabilities.
13. She wanted to undo the tangle of emotions within her.
14. Time travel stories often explore the consequences of undoing the past.
15. A heartfelt apology can sometimes undo years of resentment.
16. We must undo the environmental damage caused by pollution.
17. The judge ordered a retrial to undo the miscarriage of justice.
18. Efforts to undo the legislative changes were met with resistance.
19. Undoing a habit takes time and determination.
20. Can you undo the zipper on my dress, please?
21. He wished he could undo the accident and save his friend.
22. Undoing a mistake is easier when caught early.
23. They had to undo the merger due to financial issues.
24. Learning to forgive is a powerful way to undo bitterness.
25. The therapy session helped her undo the trauma of her past.