unfold

[uhn-fohld]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring out of a folded state; spread or open out.

   Unfold your arms.

2. to spread out or lay open to view.

3. to reveal or display.

4. to reveal or disclose in words, especially by careful or systematic exposition; set forth; explain.

verb (used without object)

1. to become unfolded; open.

2. to develop.

3. to become clear, apparent, or known.

   The protagonist's character unfolds as the story reaches its climax.

unfold

/ ʌnˈfəʊld /

verb

1. to open or spread out or be opened or spread out from a folded state

2. to reveal or be revealed

   the truth unfolds

3. to develop or expand or be developed or expanded

Other Word Forms

• unfolder noun
• unfoldable adjective
• unfoldment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfold¹

before 900; Middle English unfolden, Old English unfealdan; cognate with German entfalten. See un- ², fold ¹

Example Sentences

Prosecutors say the attack unfolded minutes before midnight on Saint Patrick’s Day 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

The residents - many of whom are pensioners and young families - can't quite believe what unfolded in their quiet area.

From BBC

The Highway Patrol said the incident unfolded around midnight on Aug. 19.

From Los Angeles Times

Here is a breakdown of how the story unfolded.

From BBC

As the cannon fire echoed through Tiananmen Square, even before the first set of troops goose-stepped their way through Beijing's central avenue, the day's most enduring image unfolded.

From BBC

Related Words

• illustrate 
• resolve 
• reveal 
• solve 
• unravel