Spanish word

desenrollar

Pronunciation

IPA/desenroˈʝaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbunwind

Example

¿Me ayudas a desenrollar la cuerda?

Can you help me unwind the rope?

Illustration for desenrollar (unwind)

More examples

Necesito desenrollar el cable del cargador.

I need to unwind the charger cable.

Core concept

A coiled rope being straightened and laid out.

Common phrases

  • desenrollar la cuerda

    unwind the rope

  • desenrollar el cable

    unwind the cable

  • desenrollar la venda

    unroll the bandage

Similar words

desplegar: Spreads out folded fabric or paper and flattens it evenly.
extender: Lengthens a material or object so it covers more space.
desenredar: Gently teases apart tangled strands or cords until they are free.

Definition in Spanish

Deshacer las vueltas que forman un rollo para dejar el objeto suelto o extendido.

Word origin

From Spanish des- 'undo' + enrollar 'to roll', with enrollar ultimately from Latin rotulus/rollo 'roll', so the verb means undo a roll.

Usage tips

  • Desenrollar refers specifically to removing or undoing a coil or roll, whereas desenredar addresses tangles and desatar addresses untying a knot.

Other meanings

  • unrollverb

Opposites

  • enrollarwindverb

Related words

  • desenrolladounwoundadjective
  • desenrollamientounwindingnoun
  • desenrolladorunwindernoun

Word lists with this word