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

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

From Salon

I wouldn’t have expected to become so interested in screws being unscrewed, tabs unbent, machines reduced to component parts, cleaned and painted, with missing parts newly fabricated.

From Los Angeles Times

Vance asked as he unscrewed the plastic cap from the bottle.

From Salon

Sometimes, thieves have unscrewed bolts to remove hydrants.

From Los Angeles Times

I unscrewed the lid and aimed at the dervish.

From Literature

Related Words

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