unfasten

American  

[uhn-fas-uhn, -fah-suhn] / ʌnˈfæs ən, -ˈfɑ sən /

verb (used with object)

unfastens, present (3rd person singular) unfastened, past participle, past unfastening present participle

1. to release from or as from fastenings; detach.

2. to undo or open (something fastened).

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verb (used without object)

unfastens, present (3rd person singular) unfastened, past participle, past unfastening present participle

1. to become unfastened.

unfasten British  

/ ʌnˈfɑːsən /

verb

1. to undo, untie, or open or become undone, untied, or opened

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

• unfastening
  present
• unfastened
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• unfasten
  simple
• unfastens
  simple
• have unfastened
  perfect
• has unfastened
  perfect
• am unfastening
  progressive
• are unfastening
  progressive
• is unfastening
  progressive
• have been unfastening
  perfect progressive
• has been unfastening
  perfect progressive

Past

• unfastened
  simple
• had unfastened
  perfect
• was unfastening
  progressive
• were unfastening
  progressive
• had been unfastening
  perfect progressive

Future

• will unfasten
  simple
• will have unfastened
  perfect
• will be unfastening
  progressive
• will have been unfastening
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of unfasten

First recorded in 1175–1225, unfasten is from the Middle English word unfastnen. See un- ², fasten

Explanation

When you unfasten something, you loosen or open it. You should wait to unfasten your seatbelt until the car has completely stopped. To fasten is to hook, close, or latch something, and to unfasten it is to undo it. You might unfasten your dog's leash so she can run free on the beach or unfasten the snaps and buttons on your jacket so you can take it off. You can also unfasten your ponytail, letting your hair down, or unfasten the latch on a gate. The Old English root word is fæstnian, "make fast or firm."

Example Sentences

Unfasten your top button and start polishing the brass buttons on your blazer.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2014

"Unfasten him, please, and let him come up," John answered.

From The Cottage of Delight A Novel by Harben, Will N. (William Nathaniel)

Unfasten your own top button, and now prepare to laugh—Martin Cortright is not threatened with apoplexy or heart failure, he's grown pudgy, and his clothes are all too small!

From People of the Whirlpool by Wright, Mabel Osgood

Unfasten the little package you are carrying somewhere about your person, hand him the envelope and watch his face.

From The Pawns Count by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)

Unfasten her chain, and she will show you the way.

From Aunt Hannah and Seth by Otis, James