unblock
/'ʌn'blɔk/
Definition
- Verb:
- To remove an obstruction or barrier from something, making it clear or passable: This is the most common meaning, referring to physically clearing a blockage.
- To release or make assets or funds available: This meaning is used in financial or legal contexts to indicate freeing up resources that were previously frozen or inaccessible.
- In card games (like bridge), to play a card from a suit in a way that allows a partner to win a trick: This is a specific, technical usage.
Usage
- The verb "unblock" is transitive and requires a direct object (e.g., unblock a pipe, unblock an account).
- It is often used in technical, medical, financial, and domestic contexts.
- The past tense and past participle are "unblocked."
Examples
- Removing a physical obstruction:
- I used a plunger to unblock the kitchen sink.
- The surgeon performed a procedure to unblock the patient's arteries.
- Releasing assets or access:
- The government agreed to unblock the frozen bank accounts.
- The administrator can unblock your account if you verify your identity.
- Card games:
- You need to unblock the diamonds so your partner can take the trick.
Advanced Usage
- "Unblock" in computing/internet contexts: To allow access to a website, user, or service that was previously restricted.
- The IT department had to unblock the website for the research team.
- "Unblock" metaphorically: To overcome a mental or creative obstacle.
- Taking a walk helped me unblock my thoughts and solve the problem. (Note: This is a metaphorical extension of the core meaning.)
Variants and Related Words
- Unblocked (adjective): Describes something that is no longer obstructed.
- The drain is now unblocked and working properly.
- Block (verb): The direct opposite, meaning to obstruct or impede.
- Clear (verb): A close synonym in the context of removing obstructions.
- Free up (phrasal verb): A synonym in the context of releasing assets or resources.
Synonyms
- Clear: To remove an obstruction from.
- Open: To make a passage usable.
- Unclog: Specifically for removing blockages in pipes or ducts.
- Release: To set free, especially for assets.
- Unfreeze: To make financial assets available again.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Unblock" itself is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. It is a single-word verb.)
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "unblock" as their core component.)
Verb
- make (assets) available
- release the holdings in the dictator's bank account
- play the cards of (a suit) so that the last trick on which a hand can follow suit will be taken by a higher card in the hand of a partner who has the remaining cards of a combined holding
- clear or remove an obstruction from
- the procedure unblocked his arteries
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