uncouple

Everyday

1. To separate two things that were joined, especially railway carriages, a trailer from a car, or wagons. tree →
2. (formal) To separate two ideas or things that were linked. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories about trains, workers uncouple carriages at the station. In farming, a tractor uncouples a trailer. In formal language, to uncouple two things means treat them separately.

Examples

• The workers uncoupled the last carriage. tree →
• Dad uncoupled the caravan from the car. tree →
• The engine was uncoupled and moved to the other end of the train. tree →
• The farmer uncoupled the trailer in the field. tree →
• The plan uncouples pay from hours worked. tree →
• Never try to uncouple wagons yourself — it's dangerous. tree →

Note

Built from un- (undo) + couple (join). Opposite: couple, hitch, attach.