unblock

American  

[uhn-blok] / ʌnˈblɒk /

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.

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unblock British  

/ ʌnˈblɒk /

verb

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

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Etymology

Origin of unblock

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

Explanation

If you unblock something, you free it or clear it of anything that's in its way. A plumber's frequent task is to unblock pipes so water can move through them. You can unblock your stuffed-up nose by blowing into a tissue, or unblock the driveway by moving your bike into the garage. Cardiologists, or heart doctors, often need to operate on patients in order to unblock their clogged arteries, so blood can flow freely. Unblock comes from adding the "reversal" prefix un- to the verb block, "obstruct or hinder passage."

Example Sentences

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in remarks made public Friday said his country could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

It could have been fine for those simply looking for a VPN for streaming media abroad, but Avast’s ability to unblock streaming sites is rather poor.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

The BBC understands representatives from the Hillsborough Law campaign's legal team will be in parliament next week in an attempt to unblock the legal log jam and galvanise support.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

It would require U.S.-protected convoys to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

"I thought," Trigger said reflectively, "you could unblock someone like that."

From Legacy by Schmitz, James H.

Related Words

• ameliorate
• disentangle
• unclog