UNCLASP

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unclasp mean? 

• UNCLASP (verb)
  The verb UNCLASP has 1 sense:

1. release from a clasp

  Familiarity information: UNCLASP used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNCLASP (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they unclasp    ... he / she / it unclasps   
Past simple: unclasped   
Past participle: unclasped   
-ing form: unclasping   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Release from a clasp

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Context example:

She clasped and unclasped her hands

Hypernyms (to "unclasp" is one way to...):

let go; let go of; release; relinquish (release, as from one's grip)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Antonym:

clasp (hold firmly and tightly)

clasp (grasp firmly)

 Context examples 

Then she slept again, and the girls waited upon their mother, for she would not unclasp the thin hand which clung to hers even in sleep.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“Mr. Holmes,” she said—and her white-gloved hands clasped and unclasped as she spoke—“I will speak frankly to you in the hopes that it may induce you to speak frankly in return.”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He sprang from his chair and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and unclasping of his long thin hands.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Jo drew a long breath and unclasped her hands as she watched the poor fellow trying to outstrip the trouble which he carried in his heart.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“I’m not much of a story-teller,” said our visitor, nervously clasping and unclasping his great, strong hands.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)