disembarrass

verb 3

Definitions

verb

1

To get (someone) out of a difficult or embarrassing situation; to free (someone) from the embarrassment (of a situation); to relieve (someone of a burden, item of clothing, etc.) (often used reflexively).

1726, George Berkeley, letter to Thomas Prior dated 6 February, 1726, in The Works of George Berkeley, London: G. Robinson, Volume 1, p. xliv, […] I hope […] that you will have disembarrassed yourself of all sort of business that may detain you here, and so be ready to go with us […]

He had now disembarrassed himself of his riding-dress, and walking up to his daughter, he undid the fastening of her mask.

2

To free (something) from complication.

1719, uncredited editor, A Collection of Tracts Concerning Predestination and Providence, Cambridge University Press, Preface, […] that we might disembarrass the Style as much as possible, we have taken the liberty to transpose Parentheses and other perplexed Passages, so as to clear and reduce them to continued Sentences.

[…] it was unanimously resolved to admit to the treaty, none but the principals in the war, and their acting allies. This exclusion of the neutral interests tended greatly to disembarrass and simplify the negociation, in all outward appearance.

3

To disentangle (two things); to distinguish.

1751, William Warburton, commentary on An Essay on Man in The Works of Alexander Pope, London: J. & P. Knapton et al., Volume 3, p. 63, […] though it be difficult to distinguish genuine Virtue from spurious, they having both the same appearance, and both the same public effects, yet they may be disembarrassed. If it be asked, by what means? He replies […] By Conscience […]

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