unhook

verb

un·​hook ˌən-ˈhu̇k 

unhooked; unhooking; unhooks

transitive verb

1

: to remove from a hook

2

: to unfasten by disengaging a hook

3

: to free from a habit or dependency

Examples of unhook in a Sentence

He unhooked the fish from the line.

She reached behind her and unhooked her bra.

Recent Examples on the Web

Andrade knocked him off and grabbed the briefcase, but couldn’t reach the latch to unhook it. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

My new book, The Last Ferry Out (out May 20), unhooks the velvet rope into another fascinating clique: a group of expats living on a tiny tropical island off the coast of Cancún. —Andrea Bartz, People.com, 18 May 2025

For Harmon's safety, the chain had a magnetic release that would unhook if too much pressure was applied. —Mike Miller Published, EW.com, 5 May 2025

Every aspect feels well thought-out, down to the ability to unhook and criss-cross the straps to hide them underneath a racerback top—not to mention, the straps are cushioned for extra comfort. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unhook

• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook
• chinook
• codebook
• cookbook
• fishhook
• forsook
• guidebook
• handbook
• hornbook

Kids Definition

unhook

verb

un·​hook ˌən-ˈhu̇k 

1

: to remove from a hook

2

: to unfasten the hooks of