# unsee

CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsee
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to forget something you saw, especially something shocking or unpleasant. You usually say you cannot do it, as a joke about wishing you had never seen it.

For teachers: to erase from memory something already seen, typically something distressing or unwanted. Chiefly used in negative constructions to express the impossibility of forgetting a disturbing image.

## Examples

- I cannot unsee that messy kitchen photo.
- After watching the surgery video for class, she said she could never unsee it.
- Once exposed to the stark photographs from the archive, the committee admitted it could not unsee the evidence of neglect.

## Synonyms

forget

## Antonyms

remember, recall

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; typically used in negative constructions with 'cannot' or 'never'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.