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.

He was just about to unlatch the gate and walk up the driveway when a light came on and he turned, panicked.

From Literature

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

She wouldn’t unlatch the lock, saying he needed to face them.

From Los Angeles Times

I made myself walk across the grass to the little house and unlatch the door.

From Literature

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

From Los Angeles Times

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