unfurl

verb. make larger, longer

verb. make larger, longer

Word Origin & History

1640s, from un- (2) "opposite of" + furl (v.). Related: unfurled, unfurling.

Softly the folded flower petals of the heart began to unfurl.

These sails are frequently made to furl and unfurl like a fan.

Unfurl the banner of the Prophet in front of the gate of the Seraglio.

We are going to unfurl the banner of peace and bury the hatchet.

He was urged to unfurl the standard of the Prophet, and to appeal to the religious fervour and fanaticism of the army.

It revels in the sunshine, and not until the morning is well advanced does it begin to unfurl its tightly rolled petals.

It must require considerable force in the flower to unfurl them.

Napoleon had but to unfurl his banner, and the Italians, in countless thousands, were ready to rally around it.

It is revealing no secret to say that a drowning man sees his whole past unfurl before him like a panorama.

I saw them unfurl their snowy sails and speed over the blue waters bound for the shores of other climes.