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to unjam

to unjam

1 4.2
To free something that is stuck so it can move or work again
  • verb
  • /ʌnˈdʒæm/
translation icon : desatascar
  • He spent hours trying to unjam the gears of the old clock.

Examples

  • in here we find, I guess if you need to unjam something, you would lift this up.

  • Sidney unjams the door to reveal... Mr. Prescott, late 40s, a severe presence.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • - Then we unjam it.

  • - I tried to unjam it.

  • Why don't you... ...unjam it?

  • And then Police Captain Brian Dookler had to unjam the traffic jam.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • He didn't unjam the copier.

  • Plus, when you help your boss unjam the copier (again), you'll be sure to win some points with those strong arms.

    Blog text (31)
  • She had to unjam the stuck printer before she could finish printing the report.

  • If the drawer won't open, try to unjam it by pulling gently on the handle.

Synonyms

to untangle
vsto unjam
12 4.9

To free someone from a difficult or confusing situation

focuses on freeing blocked items so movement resumes rather than solving knots
to unclog
vsto unjam
7 3.2

To remove something blocking a pipe or drain so water can flow

is broader and frees items from being stuck rather than restoring flow
to unblock
vsto unjam
3 3.1

Remove something that stops a pipe, machine, or blood vessel from working

focuses on freeing things specifically from being stuck or blocked
to unstick
vsto unjam
1 3.9

To come away from something it was stuck to

applies to freeing items from blockage so they can move again
to unstuff
vsto unjam
1 7.4

To clear a blocked nose or ear so air can move

is broader and frees items from being stuck rather than only removing contents
to unloose
vsto unjam
  • Archaic
1 7.0

To make something less tight or set something free

is about freeing items from being stuck rather than just easing tightness
to unwedge
vsto unjam
1 7.4

To free something that is stuck by removing what blocks it so it can move again

describes freeing from being stuck without naming a specific removal method
to come unstuck
vsto unjam
1 5.8

To become loose and move away from a surface

applies to freeing items so they can move again rather than simple detachment
to unchoke
vsto unjam
6.7

To remove a block so water or air can flow again

focuses on freeing from being stuck so movement or work resumes
to unstop
vsto unjam
6.0

To remove a block that stops ideas or feelings from coming out

applies to freeing things physically stuck and making them move again
to unloosen
vsto unjam
  • Archaic
7.2

To make something less tight or free it from something holding it

focuses on loosening tension or rules rather than freeing blocked items
to uncramp
vsto unjam
5.6

To free a part of your body from a tight painful position

focuses on releasing tightness or compression not necessarily removing an obstacle

Antonyms

13 4.4

Get stuck and stop moving or working

How Blocked

to jam
13 4.4
to clog
21 3.2
to stick
752 3.4
to unjam
1 4.2
to clear
1.5
to flow
259 1.6

Surface Forms

unjam infinitive
unjammed past
unjammed past participle
unjamming present participle
unjams third person singular

Morphology

unjam = jam (transparent) = un + jam

The prefix 'un-' clearly indicates the reversal of the action of 'jam', making the meaning straightforward.

Etymology

The word unjam is made of un- ('remove' or 'not') and jam (like a 'traffic jam' where things are 'stuck'). So to unjam something is to clear the jam and let it move or work again.