unprotecting
Stripping away defenses
Unprotecting is removing protection from something previously safeguarded.
In computing, unprotecting a file or cell makes it editable again: Unprotect the spreadsheet before making changes.
The term appears in technical contexts where protection can be toggled on and off—documents, devices, or data that were locked against modification.
Lacking protective barrier
- uncoveredMade visible or known
- bareLacking any covering
- exposedOut in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
unguarded · unsecured · vulnerable · open · raw · naked · undefended · unarmored
Converting ciphertext to plaintext
Removing secrecy status
- deregulatingReducing governmental oversight
- liberalizingMaking less restrictive
- releasingAllowing to escape
- freeingReleasing from confinement
unblocking · waiving · unsealing · disclosing · publicizing
Creating risk of harm
- jeopardizingPutting at serious risk
- compromisingExposing to harm or scandal
- imperilingExposing to potential harm
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
hazarding · risking · gambling · destabilizing · weakening · undermining · sabotaging
Inattentive, prone to mistakes
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
- neglectfulFailing to care properly
- imprudentLacking careful forethought
- incautiousCarelessly unguarded
heedless · irresponsible · unattended · unwatched · oversight · lapse · abandonment · dereliction
unshielded
Lacking protective barrier
defenseless · unguarded · unsecured · vulnerable · open · raw · naked · undefended · unarmored · stripped
decryption
Converting ciphertext to plaintext
declassifying
Removing secrecy status
- deregulatingReducing governmental oversight
- liberalizingMaking less restrictive
- releasingAllowing to escape
freeing · unblocking · waiving · unsealing · disclosing · publicizing
endangering
Creating risk of harm
- jeopardizingPutting at serious risk
- compromisingExposing to harm or scandal
- imperilingExposing to potential harm
threatening · hazarding · risking · gambling · destabilizing · weakening · undermining · sabotaging
careless
Inattentive, prone to mistakes
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
- neglectfulFailing to care properly
- imprudentLacking careful forethought
incautious · heedless · irresponsible · unattended · unwatched · oversight · lapse · abandonment · dereliction · inattention
unprotectingprotecting
Keeping from harm
safeguarding · securing · shielding · guarding · defending
unprotectingsheltering
Protecting from elements
covering · screening · insulating · buffering · cloaking
protect, protection, protected, protective, protector, protecting, unprotected, protections, protectors