unfasten
verb (used with object)
to release from or as from fastenings; detach.
were unfastening
-
past progressiveof unfasten.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
People were unfastening my bindings and collecting my ski poles from where they poked skyward, askew, in their separate snowbanks.
From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
"I mean aloft—and they were unfastening the sails off the ropes, and—" "Don't talk of snuggin' a ship like you was takin' in a wash," roared the ship-master, in sudden and ungallant passion.
From The Skipper and the Skipped Being the Shore Log of Cap'n Aaron Sproul by Holman Day
Then I heard steps upon the platform; and I knew they were unfastening the pinnace and launching it upon the waves.
From Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne
Through the eddying tide ... up over the slippery rocks ... and presently Jim and the mate were unfastening the bonds that held the insensible millionaire in the boatswain's chair.
From Jim Spurling, Fisherman or Making Good by Albert Walter Tolman
