unrivet

unrivet

A worker uses a tool to unrivet a metal plate.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To remove a rivet: "unrivet" means to take out or detach a rivet, which is a metal bolt or pin used to hold pieces of metal or other material together.
    • To unfasten or loosen: More broadly, it can mean to undo or release something that is fixed or secured, such as attention or a relationship.
Usage Examples

  • Literal meaning:

    • The mechanic had to unrivet the metal plate to access the engine. (Remove the rivets from the plate.)
    • They carefully unriveted the old bridge panels for recycling. (Detached the rivets holding the panels.)

  • Figurative meaning:

    • The sudden noise unriveted her attention from the book. (Distracted or loosened her focus.)
    • Time can unrivet even the strongest friendships. (Weaken or dissolve relationships.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to unrivet one's gaze": to break or shift one's fixed stare.

    • He could not unrivet his gaze from the stunning sunset. (He could not stop looking intently.)

  • "to unrivet a bond": to sever or weaken a close connection.

    • The argument unriveted their childhood bond. (Damaged their long-standing friendship.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Unriveted (adj): no longer fastened or fixed; detached.

    • The unriveted panel fell off the wall. (The panel was no longer attached.)

  • Rivet (n/v): a metal bolt used to fasten things; to fix or secure firmly.

    • He used a rivet to join the two pieces of metal. (A fastener.)
    • The story riveted the audience. (Captured their attention.)
Synonyms
  • Detach: to separate or remove from a fixed position.
  • Unfasten: to undo or release something that is closed or secured.
  • Loosen: to make less tight or fixed.
Antonyms
  • Rivet: to fasten or fix firmly.
  • Attach: to join or connect.
  • Secure: to make safe or fixed.
Related Idioms
  • Rivet one's eyes on: to look at something with intense focus.
    • She riveted her eyes on the stage. (She stared fixedly.)
    • To unrivet one's eyes is to look away. (Break the intense focus.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Unrivet from: to detach or separate from something.
    • He unriveted the sign from the wall. (Removed the sign by taking out its rivets.)