English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb

unblock

uhn-BLOK

Unblock (verb) means to clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again. Example: “A plumber came to unblock the kitchen drain.”

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verb

1

To clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again.

"A plumber came to unblock the kitchen drain."

2

To restore someone's ability to contact you after they had been blocked, as on a phone or social media.

"She finally decided to unblock her old friend on the app."

How to use unblock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo remove whatever was stopping something up, or to let a blocked contact reach you again.

Common pairings

unblock a drain unblock a number unblock a website

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

unblocked past tense, unblocks plural, unblocks singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A plumber came to _____ the kitchen drain.

Etymology

From un- + block.

Synonyms

free release unfreeze

Related words

going free available issue hold release album independent

Rhymes for unblock

sunblock

See all rhymes for unblock →

Frequently asked questions

What does “unblock” mean?

The word “unblock” means to clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again. In plain terms, to remove whatever was stopping something up, or to let a blocked contact reach you again.

How do you pronounce “unblock”?

“Unblock” is pronounced uhn-BLOK (/ʌnˈblɒk/ in IPA).

How do you use “unblock” in a sentence?

Here is “unblock” used in a sentence: “A plumber came to unblock the kitchen drain.”

What part of speech is “unblock”?

“Unblock” is a verb.

How many meanings does “unblock” have?

“Unblock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again.

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going free available issue hold release album independent

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary