Pronunciation: [ʌnɹˈiːv] (IPA) 
The word "Unreeve" is spelled with the letters U-N-R-E-E-V-E. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ʌnˈriːv/. "Unreeve" means to remove something from a threaded pathway or to untangle. The word has a unique spelling with the prefix "un" meaning "not" and the verb "reeve" meaning "to pass through a hole or opening." Overall, "Unreeve" is a rare word, but its spelling and pronunciation make it straightforward to use correctly.
Unreeve is a verb that primarily refers to the act of removing or pulling out a rope or line from a series of loops, holes, or pulleys, which were initially used to secure or hold it in place. When one unreeves a rope, they carefully untangle or disengage it from the various entwined sections, allowing it to move freely. This process is typically executed by carefully pulling or untwisting the rope, ensuring that it does not get caught or knotted as it is disconnected from its previous position.
The term "unreeve" is commonly used in nautical and maritime contexts, where ropes are extensively employed for diverse purposes such as securing sails, rigging, or anchors. It is a critical skill for sailors and deckhands to possess, as they constantly encounter situations that require ropes to be adjusted, replaced, or removed altogether.
Additionally, in a broader sense, "unreeve" can also metaphorically refer to the disentangling or detaching of various interconnected matters or problems. It encapsulates the process of loosening or separating complex issues or systems to achieve clarity and resolution. In this figurative usage, "unreeve" implies extracting oneself or others from convoluted or difficult situations into a more straightforward or manageable state.
Overall, "unreeve" signifies the action of untangling, disengaging, or extracting ropes or lines from their secured positions, and metaphorically represents the process of disentangling complex matters to achieve resolution or clarity.
To remove ropes or pulleys from a block or tackle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unreeve" has its origins in Middle English. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "reverse" and the verb "reave" meaning "to rob" or "to take away". In its original sense, "unreeve" meant "to take something out or remove it from a structure or object". Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to encompass a broader sense of undoing or reversing various actions or processes.
