unclasp

[ uhn-klasp, -klahsp ]
See synonyms for unclasp on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to undo the clasp or clasps of; unfasten.

  2. to release from the grasp: to unclasp a sword handle.

verb (used without object)
  1. to become unclasped, as the hands or arms.

  2. to release or relax the grasp.

Origin of unclasp

1
First recorded in 1520–30; un-2 + clasp

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use unclasp in a sentence

  • Passing the Pine slowly, she stopped and turned back to it, unclasping the necklace from her throat.

  • Raising one hand and unclasping it, she threw upon the beach a small white shell, saying as she did so, "for dear Cora."

    Peak's Island | Ford Paul
  • A small gold locket fell into his hand, unclasping which, he beheld the portrait of a beautiful girl of eighteen or nineteen.

    Sir Jasper Carew | Charles James Lever
  • I stood clasping and unclasping my hands, and staring at Jane.

    A Plucky Girl | L. T. Meade
  • There was a skirt which, by unclasping its belt, could be taken on or off in an instant.

    The Cassowary | Stanley Waterloo

British Dictionary definitions for unclasp

unclasp

/ (ʌnˈklɑːsp) /


verb
  1. (tr) to unfasten the clasp of (something)

  2. to release one's grip (upon an object)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012