unbolt

[ uhn-bohlt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to open (a door, window, etc.) by or as if by removing a bolt; unlock; unfasten.
2. to release, as by the removal of threaded bolts:

   He unscrewed the nuts and unbolted the inspection cover.

verb (used without object)

1. to become unbolted or unfastened.

unbolt

/ ʌnˈbəʊlt /

verb

1. to unfasten a bolt of (a door)
2. to undo (the nut) on a bolt

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbolt¹

1425–75; late Middle English; un- ² + bolt ¹

Example Sentences

Last April, as part of the city’s reconstruction of Victor Steinbrueck Park, the poles were unbolted from their plinths and delivered to Discovery Park, where they have rested side by side, unprotected from the elements.

From Seattle Times

Gran unbolted the door, and we stood in the doorway leading into her garage, shadows and dark outlines lurking throughout.

From Literature

I unbolted doors, installed floating shelves and glued patches of octopus wallpaper for subtle humor.

From New York Times

Arrays of Russian sensors to sniff, scour and study the planet’s environment may have to be unbolted and replaced and a non-Russian launcher rocket found if the suspension of their collaboration becomes a lasting rupture.

From Seattle Times

There was a door in the kitchen, communicating with the forge; I unlocked and unbolted that door, and got a file from among Joe’s tools.

From Literature

Related Words

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