Definition

To take out or loosen the metal fasteners that hold things together.

Example

The workers had to unrivet the old metal panels before installing the new ones.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried to unrivet something before?

Not really, but I’ve seen it done in some DIY videos.

It seems pretty straightforward if you have the right tools.

Yeah, I think I might give it a shot next weekend!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unrivet → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "rivet" (from Old French *rivet*, meaning a metal pin or bolt). The word "unrivet" means to remove or take apart a rivet, effectively doing the opposite of fastening something with a rivet.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning not or the opposite, and 'rivet' as a metal fastener. So, to 'unrivet' is to do the opposite of fastening something with a rivet.

Visually Confused Words