unfasten
Americanverb (used with object)
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to release from or as from fastenings; detach.
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to undo or open (something fastened).
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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unfastensimple
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unfastenssimple
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have unfastenedperfect
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has unfastenedperfect
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am unfasteningprogressive
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are unfasteningprogressive
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is unfasteningprogressive
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have been unfasteningperfect progressive
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has been unfasteningperfect progressive
Past
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unfastenedsimple
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had unfastenedperfect
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was unfasteningprogressive
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were unfasteningprogressive
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had been unfasteningperfect progressive
Future
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unfasten your top button and start polishing the brass buttons on your blazer.
From BBC • Aug. 19, 2014
"Unfasten the dog's chain," said one of the men to Claus, who had followed them through all the rooms and into the court, saying nothing, but keeping his lips moving all the time.
From Villa Eden: The Country-House on the Rhine by Auerbach, Berthold
Unfasten her chain, and she will show you the way.
From Aunt Hannah and Seth by Otis, James
"Unfasten it, or I will break it in!" said Grimaud.
From Twenty Years After by Dumas père, Alexandre
Unfasten the check-rein, though the doctor don't use a mean one, I must say.
From Jewel by Burnham, Clara Louise
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.
