Word
undress
Phoneticsun·dress, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈdɹɛs/
UK/ʌndɹˈɛs/
Definition
v. to remove your clothes. This is an old-fashioned word that people rarely use today.
v. to remove one's clothing. Archaic in modern usage; typically found in historical texts or specific literary contexts.
Examples
“She had to undress before going to bed.”
“The old diary entry describes how he would undress by the fire before the winter nights began.”
“In the historical novel, the protagonist is often seen undressing by the window to feel the warmth of the morning sun before the rest of the household wakes.”
Examples
simple
“She had to undress before going to bed.”
contextual
“The old diary entry describes how he would undress by the fire before the winter nights began.”
complex
“In the historical novel, the protagonist is often seen undressing by the window to feel the warmth of the morning sun before the rest of the household wakes.”
Real-World Examples
“This issue has persisted for many months , adding to fears about how easily AI tools can be used to undress and violate women and children .” “Olympic athletes have come out in force to condemn a sports betting advert featuring actor Sydney Sweeney in various states of undress, while showcasing the real skill, strength and beauty of women’s sport.” Etymology
From Middle English undressen, equivalent to un- + dress. Compare Old English unsċrȳdan (“to undress”, literally “un-shroud”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/undress