unlatching
Freeing a door mechanism
Unlatching is releasing a latch—the small bar or hook that holds a door, gate, or window closed.
You unlatch something by lifting or sliding the mechanism that secures it: She unlatched the garden gate and stepped through.
The word implies a simpler action than unlocking, since latches don't require keys.
Hinged room barrier
- gateHinged barrier in fence
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
- chestRibcage region or strongbox
trunk · hutch · pen · coop · stall · kennel · cage · compartment
Allowing to escape
- unfasteningOpening what was secured
- unhookingReleasing from a curved fastener
- unclaspingOpening a grip
- openingGap or start
disengaging · loosening · lifting · sliding · flipping · pulling · clicking · freeing
Allowing to escape
- freeingReleasing from confinement
- unlockingReleasing a secured closure
- liberatingSetting free from constraint
- permittingGiving consent or authorization
enabling · breakthrough · opportunity · revelation · discovery · unburdening · escape · departure
door
Hinged room barrier
chest · trunk · hutch · pen · coop · stall · kennel · cage · compartment · hatch
clasp
Securing device that clicks
catch · fastener · hinge · spring · lever · pin · button · snap · bar · striker
releasing
Allowing to escape
- unfasteningOpening what was secured
- unhookingReleasing from a curved fastener
- unclaspingOpening a grip
opening · disengaging · loosening · lifting · sliding · flipping · pulling · clicking · freeing · disconnecting
releasing
Allowing to escape
- freeingReleasing from confinement
- unlockingReleasing a secured closure
- liberatingSetting free from constraint
permitting · enabling · breakthrough · opportunity · revelation · discovery · unburdening · escape · departure
- opening actionsopen, opening, unlock, unlocking, unbolt
- separatingseparating, detaching, disconnecting, dividing, splitting