unclench

/ˌən-ˈklench/ (ame, mw)

unclench — verb

  • unclenchpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unclenches3rd person singular
  • unclenching-ing form
  • unclenchedpast simple

1. to deliberately open a body part that has been squeezed tightly shut, such as a

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to deliberately open a body part that has been squeezed tightly shut, such as a fist or the jaw, so that it returns to its normal relaxed state

例句

Asher took a deep breath and slowly unclenched his fists.

unclench + possessive + body part (fists)

The dentist asked Jin to unclench his jaw so she could examine his teeth.

unclench + body part (jaw) in medical context

同義詞
  • relax

    more general; 'relax your hands' works in many contexts but is less vivid about the act of releasing tension from a clenched position

  • open

    simpler and broader; 'open your hand' describes the result without the implication of prior tight clenching

反義詞
  • clench

    the direct opposite — to squeeze a body part tightly shut

文法句型

unclench + noun (body part)

用法筆記

Object is almost always a body part — most commonly fist(s), hand(s), or jaw/teeth. Frequently used in contexts of anger, stress, or physical tension.

常見錯誤

❌He unclenched his bag.
✅He unclenched his fists.
💡'unclench' is for body parts that have been squeezed tight, not for objects you are holding.

2. to let go of something that you have been holding in a very tight grip, often be

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to let go of something that you have been holding in a very tight grip, often because of fear, anger, or determination

例句

Faisal unclenched the strap of his backpack only after the train doors had closed.

unclench + held object (backpack strap)

Sofia unclenched the letter and placed it carefully on the table.

同義詞
  • release

    more common and neutral; 'release your grip' works in any register

  • let go of

    everyday phrasal verb; less intense than 'unclench'

  • loosen

    implies partial rather than full release of grip

反義詞
  • grip

    to hold something very tightly

  • clutch

    to hold something tightly out of fear or need

文法句型

unclench + noun (object held tightly)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 focuses on releasing a held object (a letter, a strap, someone's hand), whereas sense 1 focuses on opening the clenched body part itself. Object can be an inanimate item or another person's body part.

常見錯誤

❌She unclenched the jar lid.
✅She unclenched her grip on the jar lid.
💡'unclench' describes releasing a grip, not unscrewing or opening an object.

3. to gradually stop being squeezed tight, so that a body part that was clenched be

3.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to gradually stop being squeezed tight, so that a body part that was clenched becomes loose and relaxed on its own

例句

As the yoga session went on, Quan's shoulders finally unclenched and his breathing slowed.

body part + unclenches (intransitive)

Beatrix felt her jaw unclench as the good news sank in.

feel + body part + unclench (perception verb pattern)

同義詞
  • relax

    more common and broader; 'her jaw relaxed' is simpler but loses the specific image of unclenching

  • loosen

    suggests a gradual process of becoming less tight

反義詞
  • tighten

    to become tense or squeezed shut

  • clench up

    phrasal verb meaning to become tightly squeezed

文法句型

body part + unclenches

用法筆記

This intransitive sense describes the body part relaxing by itself, often involuntarily or in response to a change in emotion. There is no agent doing the action. Distinguish from sense 1 where someone deliberately opens a clenched body part.

常見錯誤

❌I unclenched my hands when I heard the good news.' (if the relaxing was involuntary)
✅My hands unclenched when I heard the good news.
💡Use the intransitive form when the body part relaxes on its own, without deliberate effort.