unbar
/'ʌn'bɑ:/
Definition
- 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.
Verb
-
remove a bar from (a door)
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