unstop
Americanverb (used with object)
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to remove the stopper from.
to unstop a bottle.
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to free from any obstruction; open.
to unstop a sewer.
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to draw out the stops of (an organ).
verb
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to remove the stop or stopper from
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to free from any stoppage or obstruction; open
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to draw out the stops on (an organ)
Etymology
Origin of unstop
First recorded in 1350–1400, unstop is from the Middle English word unstoppen. See un- 2, stop
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Will we unstop our ears and learn from the mistakes of the past?
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2022
Mitchell's curiosity, his readiness to be interested, seems to unstop his subjects: the genie of their speech pours out.
From The Guardian • Jun. 22, 2012
This week the FCC is going to unstop the bottleneck that has made calling internationally the only exorbitantly priced relic in the telephone system.
From Time Magazine Archive
"One flute will serve only to unstop your ears and dissolve the caul from off your eyes, so that you may hear and see the truths that will be laid before you."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
She tried by increased tenderness and love to unstop his silent lips and to make him tell what was lying so heavily on his heart.
From Legends of the Rhine by Ruland, Wilhelm
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
