unstick

[ uhn-stik ]

verb (used with object)

, un·stuck, un·stick·ing.

1. to free, as one thing stuck to another.

verb (used without object)

, un·stuck, un·stick·ing.

1. to become unstuck:

   Finally, the car's horn unstuck.

unstick

/ ʌnˈstɪk /

verb

1. tr to free or loosen (something stuck)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unstick¹

First recorded in 1700–10; un- ² + stick ²

Example Sentences

I knew what she meant: I’d only gotten acupuncture once, despite her promise that bodywork could “unstick” the trauma; I refused to let Dr. M hypnotize me.

From Slate

The two Guardians holding JP and Alex wave their hands, and Alex’s and JP’s mouths unstick.

From Literature

DBS seems to “unstick the circuit,” he said.

From Seattle Times

DBS seems to “unstick the circuit,” he said, allowing the brain to do what it normally would.

From Seattle Times

"We - our team and the United States administration - came to Beijing in order to unstick what has been stuck since almost last August," Kerry told reporters late on Wednesday.

From Reuters

Related Words

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