unbar
Very lowLiterary or formal
Definition
Meaning
to remove a bar or barrier; to open something fastened with a bar.
To figuratively open or allow access to something that was closed or restricted; to free from obstacles or prohibitions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used literally for physical barriers, but can be used metaphorically. Not typically used for modern, high-tech locks (e.g., key cards, digital locks).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage. It is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Archaising, poetic, or deliberately formal in tone in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both; slightly more likely to appear in historical/literary contexts in BrE due to older physical architecture descriptions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + unbar + [Direct Object] (e.g., They unbarred the gate.)[Subject] + unbar + [Direct Object] + for/to + [Indirect Object] (e.g., He unbarred the way for us.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary analysis or historical texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'open' or 'unlock' are universally preferred.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The guard moved to unbar the heavy oak gate.
- The treaty sought to unbar trade routes long closed by conflict.
American English
- She unbarred the cabin door to let in the morning light.
- The court's decision effectively unbarred his path to candidacy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The knight unbarred the castle gate.
- Please unbar the shed when you need the tools.
- The prisoner heard the jailer unbar the cell door.
- New legislation was passed to unbar access to the archives.
- With a solemn gesture, the priest unbarred the ancient sanctuary.
- Her apology did little to unbar the door to reconciliation that he had sealed shut.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BARRICADE. To UN-BAR it means to take the BARS away and open it.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMOVING OBSTACLES IS OPENING A PATH. (e.g., 'The new law unbarred the way for innovation.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian verbs like 'отпереть' or 'открыть' unless the context is specifically about removing a physical bar. 'Разблокировать' (to unlock) is often a better modern equivalent for metaphorical use.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for unlocking a car or phone (too modern).
- Confusing with 'unbarred' as an adjective meaning 'not having bars' (e.g., an unbarred window).
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The door unbarred' is very rare/poetic).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'unbar' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English. 'Open' or 'unlock' are the standard choices.
Yes, though this usage is literary. It can mean to remove figurative obstacles or prohibitions (e.g., 'unbar the way to progress').
'Unbar' specifically implies removing a bar or similar simple, physical fastening. 'Unlock' is more general and modern, covering keys, combinations, digital codes, and is used far more frequently in both literal and figurative senses.
Not in common use. The related action noun would be 'unbarring', but it is exceedingly rare.