unblock
Americanverb (used with object)
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to remove a block or obstruction from.
to unblock a channel; to unblock a person's credit.
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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.
verb
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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unblocksimple
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unblockssimple
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have unblockedperfect
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has unblockedperfect
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am unblockingprogressive
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are unblockingprogressive
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is unblockingprogressive
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have been unblockingperfect progressive
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has been unblockingperfect progressive
Past
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unblockedsimple
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had unblockedperfect
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was unblockingprogressive
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were unblockingprogressive
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had been unblockingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of unblock
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The deal to unblock the global energy funnel gives Iran a say in its future management, and a route to riches.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 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
Last week, the UK chaired talks involving more than 40 countries on how to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, with all participants agreeing that the war had to end first.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in remarks made public Friday said his country could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
They have gone down to unblock the mouth of the cave outside, and make a feint of entering.
From Gaut Gurley by Thompson, D. P.
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.
