verb
unseal
un-SEEL/ʌnsˈil/
To open something by removing its seal.
The woman unseals the jar by peeling back its foil covering.
Etymology
A seal was an impressed mark used to authenticate a document and keep it closed and secret. The reversal prefix makes unsealing the breaking of that closure, allowing access to what was inside.
In context
had my desire. Finger'd their packet, and in fine withdrew To mine own room again; making so bold, My fears forgetting manners, to unseal Their grand commission
More examples
- Unseal the jar before pouring out the sauce.
- He unsealed the box by cutting through the packing tape.
- The judge agreed to unseal the court records.
Forms
unseal · unseals · unsealed · unsealing
Similar words
- open
- Does not necessarily involve removing or breaking a seal.
- unwrap
- Removes surrounding paper or covering, not necessarily a seal.