unravel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of
    untangle; unpick; unknot; unscramble.
    • unravel the thread
  2. verb disentangle
    ravel out; ravel.
    • can you unravel the mystery?
  3. verb become undone
    run.
    • the sweater unraveled

WordNet

Un*rav"el transitive verb
Etymology
1st pref. un- (intensive) + ravel.
Definitions
  1. To disentangle; to disengage or separate the threads of; as, to unravel a stocking.
  2. Hence, to clear from complication or difficulty; to unfold; to solve; as, to unravel a plot.
  3. To separate the connected or united parts of; to throw into disorder; to confuse. "Art shall be conjured for it, and nature all unraveled." Dryden.
Un*rav"el intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To become unraveled, in any sense.

Webster 1913