unscrew

[uhn-skroo]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or loosen a screw from (a hinge, bracket, etc.).

2. to unfasten or withdraw by turning, as a screw or lid.

3. to open (a jar, bottle, etc.) by turning the lid or cover.

verb (used without object)

1. to permit of being unscrewed.

unscrew

/ ʌnˈskruː /

verb

1. (tr) to draw or remove a screw from (an object)

2. (tr) to loosen (a screw, lid, etc) by rotating continuously, usually in an anticlockwise direction

3. (intr) (esp of an engaged threaded part) to become loosened or separated

   the lid wouldn't unscrew

Word History and Origins

Origin of unscrew¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + screw

Example Sentences

Michael was in the process of unscrewing the jar, but he stopped.

Read more on Literature

A bunch of workers rushed over to The Dessoug with tools, and they started unscrewing plates on the side of the hull.

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He unscrewed the loop and the hollow coin split open.

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"There's been an army of people for the last 48 hours unscrewing anything they could," he added.

Read more on BBC

They can navigate mazes, use tools and unscrew jars — sometimes from the inside out.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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