unclasp
verb
un·clasp ˌən-ˈklasp 
unclasped; unclasping; unclasps
transitive verb
1
: to open the clasp of
unclasp a purse
2
: to open or cause to be opened
unclasp a clenched hand
intransitive verb
: to loosen a hold
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web His hands, with their many rings, are broad and eloquent, delicately clasping and unclasping in syncopated claps. 
James Parker, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2019 The catalogue librarian, John Myers, unclasped the book’s old cover and sat down to see what was inside. Avi Selk, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2018 The democratization of data would unclasp the shackles of the quants as well. Daniel Roth, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2009
James Parker, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2019 The catalogue librarian, John Myers, unclasped the book’s old cover and sat down to see what was inside. Avi Selk, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2018 The democratization of data would unclasp the shackles of the quants as well. Daniel Roth, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2009 Word History
First Known Use
1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
unclasping
verb
as in unfastening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- unfastening
- unlatching
- unclosing
- unlocking
- unbuttoning
- unclenching
- unbolting
- unzipping
- unfurling
- opening
- unbarring
- unfolding
- disengaging
- slipping
- releasing
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- closing
- shutting
- clasping
- locking
- fastening
- latching
- barring
- bolting
- zipping (up)
- buttoning (up)