unscrew

unscrew — verb

1. to open a sealed container or remove a detachable part by gripping and turning i

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to open a sealed container or remove a detachable part by gripping and turning it in the direction that loosens the thread — applies to things like jar lids, bottle caps, and light bulbs

例句

Ayesha tried to unscrew the lid of the pickle jar, but it was stuck tight.

transitive: unscrew + lid / cap / top

Liam unscrewed the cap of his water bottle and handed it to his little sister.

同義詞
  • twist off

    more informal and specific to removing a lid or cap by twisting

  • open

    much broader — 'open a jar' does not specify the twisting method

  • loosen

    suggests partial turning rather than full removal

反義詞
  • screw on

    the opposite action — to close or attach by twisting into place

  • tighten

    to make something more firmly fixed by turning

文法句型

unscrew + noun phrase (lid / cap / top / bulb)

unscrew + noun phrase + off + noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is typically something that closes a container (lid, cap, top) or a detachable part with a screw thread (light bulb, nozzle). The action is almost always performed by hand or with a simple twisting motion, not with tools.

常見錯誤

❌She unscrewed the zipper on her jacket.
✅She unzipped her jacket.
💡'unscrew' is only for things that fasten with a screw thread.
❌He unscrewed the door.
✅He unscrewed the door handle from the panel.
💡'unscrew' applies to the threaded part, not the whole object.

2. to detach a fastened object from a surface or structure by extracting or twistin

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to detach a fastened object from a surface or structure by extracting or twisting out the screws that hold it in place — for example, unscrewing a hinge from a door or a bracket from a wall

例句

Gabriel used a screwdriver to unscrew the hinge from the old cupboard door.

pattern: unscrew + object + from + surface

Adaeze had to unscrew the metal bracket before she could fix the pipe beneath it.

同義詞
  • remove

    more general — includes methods other than dealing with screws

  • detach

    suggests separating two parts without specifying the fastener type

  • unbolt

    specific to removing bolts, not screws

反義詞
  • screw in

    the opposite action — to fix something by turning screws into it

  • fasten

    general opposite of detaching

文法句型

unscrew + noun phrase (screw / bolt / hinge / plate / bracket / panel)

unscrew + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person doing DIY or repair work. The object can be the screw itself or the item fixed by screws (a hinge, a panel, a bracket). Distinguish from sense 1: here the goal is detachment from a surface by removing physical screws, not opening a container by twisting a lid.

常見錯誤

❌He unscrewed the phone case.
✅He unscrewed the screws holding the phone back cover.
💡'unscrew' requires actual screws, not clips or snaps.
❌She unscrewed the painting from the wall.
✅She unscrewed the bracket from the wall and then lifted the painting off.
💡the screw or bracket is what you unscrew, not the object that hangs on it.