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to untack

to untack

8.4
To pull small nails or pins out of something
  • verb
  • /ʌnˈtæk/
translation icon : desclavar
  • The teacher asked the students to untack their projects from the board at the end of the exhibition.

Examples

  • He carefully untacked the poster from the wall to avoid damaging it.

  • He untacked them and made three trips to the cave, hauling the Federals' gear to rest with them, all but for one haversack.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Before packing up the display, she had to untack the promotional materials.

Synonyms

to untie
vsto untack
91 1.0

Make a knot or lace loose by undoing it

differs by extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than untying knots
to pull off
vsto untack
41 2.7

To take something off from where it is attached

is more specific, pulling out small fixed metal fastenings instead of broad removals
to unhook
vsto untack
35 2.5

To take something off where it hangs, like a coat or necklace

differs by extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than unhooking supports
to undo
vsto untack
21 1.3

Unfasten something that is tied or fastened

focuses on pulling out small fixed metal fastenings rather than general undoing
to unscrew
vsto untack
20 3.0

Turn something so a lid or other fastened part comes off

differs by involving rotation rather than pulling out driven fastenings
to unclip
vsto untack
6 3.7

To take off a small metal or plastic piece that holds something together

is about extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than unclamping
to uncouple
vsto untack
5 5.3

To disconnect two things that are joined, often machine parts

is narrower, extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than general uncoupling
to unfasten
vsto untack
5 3.4

To open something by undoing a button or zipper

is narrower, removing small fixed metal fastenings rather than general unfastening
to unhitch
vsto untack
4 5.7

To take off something that is attached to another thing, like a trailer or bicycle

is narrower, removing small fixed metal fastenings rather than unhitching
to unstrap
vsto untack
4 3.9

To take off a belt or band that holds something in place

is about pulling out small fixed metal fastenings rather than dealing with straps
to unbind
vsto untack
3 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

is more specific, removing small fixed metal fastenings rather than general freeing
to unlace
vsto untack
3 3.8

To untie strings that close shoes or clothing

differs by pulling out small fixed metal fastenings rather than loosening laces
to unstick
vsto untack
1 3.9

To come away from something it was stuck to

focuses on removing small fixed metal fastenings by pulling them out
to unpin
vsto untack
1 4.1

To take a pin out so something is no longer attached

is closely related but focuses on small driven metal fastenings specifically
to unsnap
vsto untack
1 4.2

Open something that closes with a small button, like a purse or jacket

is about extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than unsnapping closures
to untether
vsto untack
1 6.6

To release something that is tied or fastened so it can move away

targets extracting small fixed metal fastenings by pulling them out
to unstaple
vsto untack
1 7.5

Remove staples from papers

is similar but applies to small driven metal fastenings in various materials
to unattach
vsto untack
1 6.1

To separate something from what it is connected to

is more specific, extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than any detachment
to unstitch
vsto untack
1 6.3

To pull out the thread used to join pieces of cloth or close a cut

contrasts by extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than removing stitches
to unknot
vsto untack
1 5.1

To make a tied rope or string loose so it comes apart

differs by focusing on pulling out small fixed metal fastenings rather than unknotting
to unpick
vsto untack
1 6.4

To remove stitches from fabric by taking out the thread

focuses on pulling out small fixed metal fastenings not on removing thread
to unglue
vsto untack
1 3.5

To remove something that is stuck with glue

contrasts by removing small fixed metal fastenings rather than undoing glued joins
to unhook the latch
vsto untack
1 5.0

To open a gate or window by taking off the small catch that holds it closed

differs by focusing on pulling out small fixed metal fastenings not unhooking latches
to unclamp
vsto untack
  • Specialized
1 5.1

To loosen or remove a clamp that holds something

differs by extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than unclamping
to unlash
vsto untack
7.4

Untie rope or straps that hold something in place

focuses instead on pulling out small fixed metal fastenings
to unthread
vsto untack
5.1

To take thread out of a needle, cloth, or hole

differs by extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than unthreading fibers
to unclick
vsto untack
6.6

To release a catch or latch, for example a seatbelt

is about pulling out small fixed metal fastenings rather than unlatching clicked catches
to unsolder
vsto untack
  • Specialized
8.1

Remove the melted metal that joins parts, for example in electronics

differs by extracting solid fastenings pushed in rather than separating melted joints
to unsew
vsto untack
8.4

To remove stitches from cloth or clothing

focuses on removing small fixed metal fastenings not on unstitching cloth
to unpeg
vsto untack
6.1

To remove a peg that holds something like a tent

is similar but centers on very small driven metal fastenings specifically
to untuck
vsto untack
  • Specialized
6.0

To take out stitches from a folded part of clothing to make it looser

differs by extracting small fixed metal fastenings rather than altering sewn folds
to unfix
vsto untack
6.8

Take something off a wall or surface

is more specific, removing small fixed metal fastenings rather than unmounting objects
to undrive
vsto untack
9.9

To pull out a nail or stake pushed into something

is narrower, aimed at removing small thin driven fastenings specifically
to unrig
vsto untack
6.7

Remove ropes, sails, and other equipment from a boat or vehicle

contrasts by targeting small fixed metal fastenings rather than heavy rigging removal

Antonyms

30 4.9

Fasten something to a surface with small nails or pins

Surface Forms

untack infinitive
untacked past
untacked past participle
untacking present participle
untacks third person singular

Morphology

untack = tack (transparent) = un + tack

The prefix 'un-' clearly indicates the reversal of the action 'tack'.

Etymology

The word untack comes from the part un- meaning 'remove' and tack meaning 'small nail' or 'fastener', so imagine pulling nails out of a board. That's why untack means to remove tacks or other fastenings.