uncap

IPA/ʌnˈkæp/
IPA/ʌnˈkæp/

uncap — verb

  • uncappresent simple I / you / we / they
  • uncaps3rd person singular
  • uncapping-ing form
  • uncappedpast simple

1. to take the lid or cover off a container such as a bottle, jar, tube, or pen, so

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to take the lid or cover off a container such as a bottle, jar, tube, or pen, so that its contents can be used.

例句

Jenna uncapped the bottle of olive oil and poured some into the pan.

uncap + bottle of [liquid]

Ignacio uncapped his water flask and took a long drink after the hike.

同義詞
  • open

    much broader — works for doors, windows, boxes, and files, not just capped containers

  • uncover

    removing a cover or cloth that sits on top, rather than a fitted lid

  • unscrew

    specifically for containers with threaded lids that require twisting

反義詞
  • cap

    to put a lid or cover back on a container

文法句型

uncap + noun phrase (a container)

常見錯誤

He uncapped the bottle cap.
He uncapped the bottle.
💡'uncap' already includes removing the cap; repeating 'cap' after it is redundant.

2. to end a ceiling placed on spending, charges, or payments so that the total is n

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to end a ceiling placed on spending, charges, or payments so that the total is no longer kept within a fixed range.

例句

The government voted to uncap the tuition fees that universities may charge.

uncap + fees / charges / rates

After the policy change the bank uncapped interest rates on savings accounts.

同義詞
反義詞
  • cap

    to set or maintain a maximum limit

  • restrict

    to place limits on something

文法句型

uncap + noun phrase (financial or numerical limit)

用法筆記

The subject is usually a government body, board of directors, bank, or other institution with regulatory power. The object is always a financial or numerical restriction.

常見錯誤

The company uncapped the bottle limit.
The company uncapped the spending limit.
💡in this financial sense, 'uncap' applies to abstract numerical boundaries, not physical containers.

3. to let hidden emotions or reactions burst out and become openly visible after be

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to let hidden emotions or reactions burst out and become openly visible after being held back for some time.

例句

The documentary uncapped a wave of public anger about pollution from the factory.

uncap + a wave of [emotion]

Kabir's sincere apology uncapped years of resentment that Bao had kept hidden.

同義詞
  • unleash

    stronger and more dramatic; suggests a forceful, uncontrollable release

  • release

    more neutral and much broader in usage

  • vent

    usually deliberate; 'uncap' can happen unintentionally

反義詞
  • suppress

    to keep emotions hidden on purpose

  • contain

    to hold emotions within yourself

文法句型

uncap + noun phrase (strong emotion or public reaction)

用法筆記

Frequently used with quantifier nouns like 'wave', 'flood', or 'torrent' to show the sudden and powerful nature of the released emotion. The object is always an emotional response such as anger, resentment, or gratitude.

4. to alter the internal configuration of an internet modem or router in order to e

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

to alter the internal configuration of an internet modem or router in order to evade a company's usage restrictions or subscription fees.

例句

Kian uncapped his modem so he could switch to a cheaper internet provider.

uncap + modem / router

The technician showed Anya how to uncap the router and install custom firmware.

同義詞
  • mod

    short for 'modify'; broader, covers any hardware or software change

  • jailbreak

    specific to phones and tablets, not modems or routers

  • unlock

    common in mobile phone contexts; similar idea of removing restrictions

文法句型

uncap + noun phrase (a modem or router)

用法筆記

This is a technical, informal sense used mostly in online forums and among technology enthusiasts. The practice may violate a provider's terms of service.

5. to lift a hat away from a person's head as a polite gesture when greeting someon

5.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to lift a hat away from a person's head as a polite gesture when greeting someone or showing respect.

例句

Jenna uncapped before entering the old church as a sign of respect.

The elderly gentleman uncapped his grandson's woollen hat after they came inside.

uncap + [someone's] hat

同義詞
  • remove

    general-purpose verb; works for any type of clothing or accessory

  • take off

    everyday phrasing; far more common than 'uncap' in modern English

  • doff

    archaic and very formal; the same meaning

反義詞
  • put on

    to place a hat onto the head

文法句型

uncap + noun phrase (a hat)

uncap (intransitive — remove one's own hat)

用法筆記

This sense is becoming old-fashioned in everyday speech. It survives mainly in historical novels and descriptions of formal manners. The intransitive use ('He uncapped') means the person removes his or her own hat.

常見錯誤

He uncapped his cap.
He removed his cap.
💡'uncap' already contains the idea of removing a cap; saying 'cap' again is redundant.