Ontlaeten

Ontlaeten is a Dutch word that translates to "to unfurl," "to spread out," or "to deploy." It is often used in contexts related to sails, flags, or other flexible materials that are extended from a rolled or folded state. For instance, one might ontlaeten a sail on a ship to catch the wind, or ontlaeten a flag on a pole for a ceremony. The term implies a deliberate and often gradual process of expansion. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the unfolding of events or the revealing of information. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Old Dutch word "ontlaeten," which carries similar meanings of releasing or letting out. While less common in modern everyday speech, "ontlaeten" still finds its place in nautical terminology and more formal or descriptive writing. The opposite action, to roll up or furl, would be "oprollen" or "inlaten." The concept of ontlaeten emphasizes the transition from a compact or hidden state to a more visible or functional one.