unblock

[ uhn-blok ]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove a block or obstruction from:

   to unblock a channel; to unblock a person's credit.

2. Bridge. to play (a suit) so that the last card of the suit in one hand can provide access to the hand of the partnership having the longer holding in the suit.

unblock

/ ʌnˈblɒk /

verb

1. to remove a blockage from (a pipe, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unblock¹

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ² + block

Example Sentences

There are reports of flooding on Blackboy Hill near Frome, with residents taking it upon themselves to try and unblock drains.

From BBC

Banks will need to inform customers when a payment is being delayed, explain what the customer needs to do in order to unblock the payment, and pay compensation if the delay lands the customer with extra charges.

From BBC

The government said it was committed to its target, and was working to ‘unblock’ stalled projects.

From BBC

But he emphasised that new fighters were essential to help Ukrainians push back against Russia's aerial dominance and “unblock the skies”.

From BBC

After 40 minutes of chewing it over in my head, I decided to unblock Abi to see if WhatsApp showed me any messages she had sent in the meantime.

From BBC

Related Words

• ameliorate
• disentangle
• unclog