unseal

[uhn-seel]

verb (used with object)

1. to break or remove the seal of; open, as something sealed or firmly closed.

   to unseal a letter; to unseal a tomb.

2. to free from constraint, as a person's thought, speech, or behavior.

   Their friendship unsealed her vivacity.

unseal

/ ʌnˈsiːl /

verb

1. to remove or break the seal of

2. to reveal or free (something concealed or closed as if sealed)

   to unseal one's lips

Other Word Forms

• unsealable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unseal¹

1375–1425; late Middle English unselen; un- ², seal ¹

Example Sentences

The lawsuit, originally filed in L.A. federal court in June 2024, was recently unsealed after the Department of Justice opted to not investigate.

From Los Angeles Times

They have pledged to keep up the pressure to release the documents, hold people accountable and force Congress to approve a discharge petition that would require the Justice Department to unseal the files.

From Salon

A newly unsealed court document says Richard Tillman admitted to officers that he set a post office on fire because he was ‘trying to make a statement to the United States Government.’

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, the judge overseeing Maxwell’s case, Paul A. Engelmayer, ruled that unsealing grand jury materials “casually or promiscuously” would erode confidence in people called to testify before future panels.

From Salon

On the same day that Greco’s attempted payment was reported, an indictment against Adams’ former chief adviser was unsealed.

From Salon