| 释义 |
unˈbuild, v.
[un-2 3.]
trans. To pull down, destroy, demolish (a building or structure).
1607Shakes. Cor. iii. i. 198 To vnbuild the Citie, and to lay all flat. 1642T. Goodwin Zerub., etc. 25 Thou didst unbuild Hierusalem and my Temple. 1684T. Burnet Theory Earth i. 91 God builds and unbuilds worlds: and who shall build up that arch that was broke down at the deluge? 1751C. Labelye Westm. Bridge 81 Whilst the Arches were unbuilding and taking down. 1820Shelley Cloud 84, I arise and unbuild it again. 1829Carlyle Misc. (1857) II. 49 The Ephesian Temple..could be unbuilt by one madman, in a single hour. 1878Browning Poets Croisic 13 Priestesses Unbuilt and then rebuilt it every May.
b. In fig. uses. Also absol.
1640Habington Edw. IV, 75 The Almightie..permitted perjurie now to unbuild the greatnesse of Lancaster. 1667Milton P.L. viii. 81 When they come to model Heav'n,..how they will weild The mightie frame, how build, unbuild. Ibid. xii. 526 What will they then..but unbuild His living Temples, built by Faith to stand? 1856R. A. Vaughan Mystics (1860) I. v. i. 112 First of all exerting his extraordinary will to the utmost to unbuild his body. 1875Whitney Life Lang. iv. 74 The component elements of speech are first unified, then unbuilt and destroyed.
Hence unˈbuilding vbl. n.
1879Trench Poems 155 Build it this time..A holy house,..And we, though in the unbuilding there be pain, Will still affirm,—'tis well. |