unblock

American  

[uhn-blok] / ʌnˈblɒk /

verb (used with object)

1. to remove a block or obstruction from.

   to unblock a channel; to unblock a person's credit.

2. Bridge. to play (a suit) so that the last card of the suit in one hand can provide access to the hand of the partnership having the longer holding in the suit.

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unblock British  

/ ʌnˈblɒk /

verb

1. to remove a blockage from (a pipe, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of unblock

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ² + block

Explanation

If you unblock something, you free it or clear it of anything that's in its way. A plumber's frequent task is to unblock pipes so water can move through them. You can unblock your stuffed-up nose by blowing into a tissue, or unblock the driveway by moving your bike into the garage. Cardiologists, or heart doctors, often need to operate on patients in order to unblock their clogged arteries, so blood can flow freely. Unblock comes from adding the "reversal" prefix un- to the verb block, "obstruct or hinder passage."

Example Sentences

The plan is an arm’s-length effort to unblock the vital supply waterway that doesn’t involve escorts by U.S. warships.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

I can’t access them again until I return to my office and re-tap the pass to unblock them.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

Trump has urged US allies to help unblock the strait.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

That may be what’s behind ExpressVPN’s impressive ability to unblock streaming sites.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

The evidence reflects that libraries can and do unblock the filters when a patron so requests.

From Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Ruling by United States District Court For The Eastern District Of Pennsylvania

Related Words

• ameliorate
• disentangle
• unclog