unbutton

American  

[uhn-buht-n] / ʌnˈbʌt n /

verb (used with object)

1. to free (buttons) from buttonholes; unfasten or undo.

2. to unfasten by or as if by unbuttoning.

   to unbutton a jacket.

3. to disclose (one's feelings, thoughts, etc.) after deliberate or prolonged silence.

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verb (used without object)

1. to unfasten a button or one's buttons.

unbutton British  

/ ʌnˈbʌtən /

verb

1. to undo by unfastening (the buttons) of (a garment)

2. informal to release or relax (oneself, tension, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of unbutton

First recorded in 1275–1325, unbutton is from the Middle English word unbotenen. See un- ², button

Example Sentences

The best tips were about using words first: “I need to unbutton your gown because I’m going to be scanning your chest, but I’ll keep you covered with this towel.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Inside, Beshear was seated before an unlit fireplace, legs crossed, shirt collar unbuttoned, looking like the pleasantly unassuming Dad in a store-bought picture frame.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Sailsman sold it to me. It’s supposed to cut through anything in the Archipelago. Be careful!” he said as she unbuttoned the sheath.

From Literature

Boo looks up from where she’s buttoning and unbuttoning, zipping and unzipping an activity box.

From Literature

Wearing a partially unbuttoned denim shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

From BBC