unstick

[uhn-stik]

verb (used with object)

unstuck, unsticking 

1. to free, as one thing stuck to another.

verb (used without object)

unstuck, unsticking 

1. to become unstuck.

   Finally, the car's horn unstuck.

unstick

/ ʌnˈstɪk /

verb

1. (tr) to free or loosen (something stuck)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unstick¹

First recorded in 1700–10; un- ² + stick ²

Example Sentences

Powered by the same 400V system as the turbos and e-motor, the roll-stabilizing ehPDCC tenses and relaxes the front and rear anti-roll bars dynamically—very dynamically, in fact—instantaneously resisting roll and other chassis forces that might unstick the tires.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As Millie and Tim fall into a well-worn pattern, their literal inability to unstick themselves from something increasingly toxic becomes both hysterical and uniquely depraved.

Read more on Salon

“The fans, equally, are basically stuck sometimes, and I guess it's our job to subtly, not forcefully, unstick them,” he said.

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I knew what she meant: I’d only gotten acupuncture once, despite her promise that bodywork could “unstick” the trauma; I refused to let Dr. M hypnotize me.

Read more on Slate

The two Guardians holding JP and Alex wave their hands, and Alex’s and JP’s mouths unstick.

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Related Words

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