unclasp

/ˌən-ˈklasp/ (ame, mw)

unclasp — verb

  • unclasppresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unclasps3rd person singular
  • unclasping-ing form
  • unclaspedpast simple

1. to open the small metal or plastic fastening that holds together a piece of jewe

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to open the small metal or plastic fastening that holds together a piece of jewelry, a handbag, a watch strap, or a similar item.

例句

Rania unclasped her gold necklace and placed it carefully on the dressing table.

transitive + direct object (piece of jewelry)

Christopher tried to unclasp his watch strap but could not find the small button on the side.

unclasp + watch strap / bag strap

同義詞
  • unfasten

    more general term for any kind of fastener

  • undo

    common in everyday speech; less specific than unclasp

  • open

    simplest alternative; neutral and widely used

反義詞
  • clasp

    to close or fasten with a clasp

  • fasten

    general opposite of unfasten

文法句型

unclasp + object (jewelry, bag, watch)

用法筆記

Limited to objects that close with a mechanical clasp — a small hook, snap, or interlocking mechanism. Do not use for zippers (unzip), buttons (unbutton), or buckles (unbuckle).

常見錯誤

❌She unclasped her shirt before going to bed.
✅She unbuttoned her shirt before going to bed.
💡Shirts use buttons, not clasps.
❌He unclasped the car door.
✅He unlatched the car door.
💡Car doors use latches, not clasps.

2. to stop holding something with your hand or hands, especially when your fingers

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to stop holding something with your hand or hands, especially when your fingers are wrapped around someone or something; or for two joined hands to separate.

例句

The two friends unclasped their hands when the bus arrived and waved goodbye to each other.

transitive: unclasp + hands (two people separating)

Tuan unclasped his fingers from around the warm coffee mug and looked out the window.

unclasp + fingers from + object

同義詞
  • release

    more common in everyday English; less specific to hand positions

  • let go

    informal phrasal verb; very common in speech

  • separate

    describes the hands moving apart; neutral in register

反義詞
  • clasp

    to hold tightly or join hands together

  • grip

    to hold firmly with the hand

文法句型

unclasp + object (hands, fingers)

unclasp (no object)

用法筆記

Often describes two people releasing each other's hands after holding them. Can also describe a single person opening their own clasped hands. The intransitive form (e.g. 'her hands unclasped') is possible but less common than the transitive.

常見錯誤

❌She unclasped the book and started reading.
✅She opened the book and started reading.
💡Books are opened, not unclasped (unless they have a clasp).

3. to relax or release a tight physical grip or hold on someone or something, often

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to relax or release a tight physical grip or hold on someone or something, often after a period of tension or fear.

例句

Apinya kept a tight hold on the dog's leash and only unclasped her grip once they reached the open field.

unclasp + grip / hold (formal register)

The climber unclasped his hold on the rock face for a moment to check the safety rope.

unclasp + hold on + physical surface

同義詞
  • release

    more neutral and widely used; works in all registers

  • relax

    suggests gradual loosening rather than full release

  • let go of

    phrasal verb; less formal and more common in speech

反義詞
  • tighten

    to make a grip firmer or stronger

  • grip

    to take and keep a firm hold

文法句型

unclasp + object (grip, hold)

用法筆記

More formal and literary than 'let go' or 'release'. Often appears in narrative prose describing a character relaxing a tense hold. The object is typically 'grip', 'hold', or 'grasp' rather than a concrete noun.

常見錯誤

❌He unclasped the door handle.
✅He released the door handle.
💡Unclasp is not used for handles or doorknobs in modern English.