Derobe

/dɪˈroʊb/ verb

Definition

To remove robes or clothing from; to undress or disrobe someone.

Etymology

From Old French 'deroben,' combining 'de-' (prefix meaning 'to remove') + 'robe' (garment). The prefix 'de-' creates the opposite action, so 'derobe' is the inverse of 'enrobe' (to clothe).

Kelly Says

English has this elegant symmetry where 'enrobe' (to dress formally) has a mirror word 'derobe' (to undress)—but we almost never use 'derobe' because 'disrobe' became the standard term instead. It's a casualty of English word competition.

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