unbar

/'ʌn'bɑ:/

Thân thiện

He unbarred the heavy wooden door to let in the morning light.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To remove a bar from (a door or gate); to open by removing a bar or barrier. This is the primary and most literal meaning. It describes the physical action of sliding or lifting a bar that is securing a door, gate, or window to allow it to open.
   • Figuratively, to remove an obstacle or restriction. While less common, it can be used metaphorically to mean clearing the way for something or making something accessible.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The guard unbarred the heavy wooden gate to let the travelers enter.
  • Please unbar the door; I need to get some fresh air into the room.
  • The new policy effectively unbarred the path to citizenship for many. (Figurative usage)

Advanced Usage

• "To unbar the way": To remove obstacles, making progress or passage possible.
  • The court's decision unbarred the way for further research.
• Often used in its past participle form "unbarred" as an adjective to describe a state of being open or unrestricted.
  • They found the gate unbarred and cautiously entered the courtyard.

Variants and Related Words

• Bar (verb): To fasten or secure with a bar; to obstruct.
  • He barred the door to keep intruders out.
• Unbarred (adjective): Not secured with a bar; open.
  • The unbarred window was an invitation to thieves.

Synonyms

• Unlock: To open something that is locked.
• Unfasten: To open or release a fastening.
• Open: To move something so that an opening is no longer covered or blocked.

Antonyms

• Bar: To fasten or obstruct.
• Bolt: To lock or secure with a bolt.
• Lock: To fasten with a lock.

Phrasal Verbs

• This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb form.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms are directly based on the word "unbar". Its usage is generally literal or straightforwardly metaphorical.

Học thuật

Verb

1. remove a bar from (a door)