unstick

un- +‎ stick

• Rhymes: -ɪk

unstick (third-person singular simple present unsticks, present participle unsticking, simple past and past participle unstuck)

1. (transitive, sometimes figurative) To free from the condition of being stuck.
   • 2012, Laura Pazzaglia, The Everything Healthy Pressure Cooker Cookbook:

     Add the rice and sauté until the first few grains begin to brown (about 3 minutes). Add peas, stock, and salt. Mix well and be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to unstick any rice.

2. (intransitive) To become freed from a stuck condition.
   • 2019, Russ Linton, Plea Bargain:

     Starting to panic, I stepped back and put my foot right through the door. Outside, Nelson laughed. The door unstuck. I hopped on one leg as it swung outward, carrying my boot.

3. (intransitive, aviation, of an aircraft) To leave the ground during takeoff.

• come unstuck

• tuck-ins, tucks in, tunicks, unticks