Synonyms

unlatch

American

[uhn-lach] / ʌnˈlætʃ /

verb (used with object)

to unfasten (a door, window shutter, etc.) by lifting the latch.

verb (used without object)

to become unlatched.

unlatch British

/ ʌnˈlætʃ /

verb

to open or unfasten or come open or unfastened by the lifting or release of a latch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unlatch

First recorded in 1635–45; un- ² + latch

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.

Tesla is facing a fresh investigation from U.S. automotive-safety regulators over concerns that it may be difficult to unlatch the doors of some Model 3 sedans in the case of an emergency.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

The cages were padlocked, a measure to keep the birds from figuring out how to unlatch their enclosures and escape.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

During the workweek, regulars slide in to occupy one of 10 seats at the bar at Lynn’s Motel on State Route 115 in Effort almost as soon as the doors unlatch at 4 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2023

"If you open this door and unlatch this thing and you slide this over, you'd look down in there and in between a bunch of nails you'd find my name," she says.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2020

His fist still hovered over the door when he heard the deadbolt slowly unlatch.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023