unhook

American  

[uhn-hook] / ʌnˈhʊk /

verb (used with object)

1. to detach by or as if by releasing a hook.

   to unhook a tractor from a trailer.

2. to unfasten or open by undoing a hook or hooks: hook.

   to unhook a door; to unhook a corset.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to become unhooked.

unhook British  

/ ʌnˈhʊk /

verb

1. (tr) to remove (something) from a hook

2. (tr) to unfasten the hook of (a dress, etc)

3. (intr) to become unfastened or be capable of unfastening

   the dress wouldn't unhook

---

Etymology

Origin of unhook

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ² + hook ¹

Example Sentences

You have to come to a meeting spot at the border, unhook all your trucks and trailers, bring in another truck to bring it in to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2024

While trains and trucks also transport EVs, isolating and extinguishing fires is easier as workers can unhook a rail car and a trucker can pull over, said Frazee.

From Reuters • Jul. 27, 2023

When his grandfather caught a fish, he would unhook it and throw it on the ground, and Roy would snatch it up and quickly stuff it, still wriggling, in the bag.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2023

It’s likely that you’ll need to unhook your trailer in order to position your truck properly to get it connected to a charging station’s power cord.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2023

Bree works quickly to unhook the hundreds of clasps and fan open the compartments.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• alleviate
• break up
• ease
• loose
• relax
• slacken
• undo
• unlock
• unscrew
• untie