unbolt
Meaning
to open or release by withdrawing a bolt
to become unbolted; to open
Structure
Usage
she reached over to unbolt the heavy wooden door.
the gate was securely bolted, and it took him a moment to unbolt it.
please unbolt the hatch before attempting to open it.
Etymology
The word 'unbolt' is a transparent English formation, combining the native prefix 'un-' with the verb 'bolt'. The prefix 'un-', deriving from Old English 'un-', is a prolific element used to indicate reversal or deprivation. The core element 'bolt' originates from Old English 'bolt', referring to a short, heavy arrow or a bar for fastening a door. Its verbal sense, "to fasten with a bolt," developed naturally. Thus, 'unbolt' literally means "to reverse the action of bolting," creating a clear and logical compound verb that entered the language to describe the simple act of opening a fastened door or mechanism.
Analysis
un- (a prefix of Old English origin, meaning "not" or "reversal of an action"), bolt (a word of Old English origin, from 'bolt', meaning a fastening pin or bar, here used in its verbal sense "to fasten").