unbolt
Americanverb (used with object)
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to open (a door, window, etc.) by or as if by removing a bolt; unlock; unfasten.
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to release, as by the removal of threaded bolts.
He unscrewed the nuts and unbolted the inspection cover.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to unfasten a bolt of (a door)
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to undo (the nut) on a bolt
Etymology
Origin of unbolt
Explanation
When you unbolt something, you unfasten its lock. Unbolt the gate so I can put my bike away! When you open the particular type of lock called a bolt, you unbolt it. Turn a key or latch in your front door to slide the bolt closed, and you bolt the door. Slide it open, and you unbolt it. This verb comes from the prefix un- ("reversal") and bolt, a word that's been used to mean "part of a lock which springs out" since around 1400.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unbolt the door, turn on the porch light, spend a few minutes studying those bulging team rosters: this might even be fun.
From The Guardian • Mar. 27, 2013
Photograph: Francisco Leong/AFP/Getty Images Unbolt the doors, roll up the window blinds: the lock-in in last chance saloon is over.
From The Guardian • Feb. 4, 2013
"Unbolt, IHR HERREN; swift, or the petard will have to do it!"
From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 11 by Carlyle, Thomas
Unbolt, un-bōlt′, v.t. to remove a bolt from: to open.—v.i. to disclose.—adj.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various
"Unbolt the gate!" cried the leader; "we want to go out."
From A Struggle for Rome, Vol. 2 (of 3) by Dahn, Felix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
