desfazer

Senses

1. 1.

   to undo, to unmake

   to reverse or cancel something that was done; to take apart

2. 2.

   to dissolve, to melt

   to cause to break down or disintegrate (physically)

3. 3.

   to break off, to call off

   to terminate or cancel (an agreement, relationship, etc.)

4. 4.

   to get rid of, to dispose of

   to eliminate or remove something unwanted

Examples

• "Vou desfazer as malas assim que chegar no hotel."

  I'm going to unpack my bags as soon as I get to the hotel.

• "Ela decidiu desfazer o noivado depois de descobrir a verdade."

  She decided to call off the engagement after discovering the truth.

• "O açúcar se desfaz completamente na água quente."

  The sugar dissolves completely in hot water.

Usage

Common reflexive form "desfazer-se" means "to get rid of" (desfazer-se de algo). Very frequently used with "Ctrl+Z" meaning: "desfazer a última ação" (undo last action). The pronominal form "desfazer-se em lágrimas/elogios" means "to dissolve into tears/praise."