unpack

/ˈʌnˌpæk/

/ənˈpæk/

Other forms: unpacked; unpacking; unpacks

To unpack is to take stuff out that's been packed, like the clothing in your suitcase or the fragile item that's been buried in ten thousand Styrofoam peanuts.

If a large shipment arrives at a company, it may take several people to unpack the items and take stock of the contents. We also use unpack to describe analyzing something by taking it apart. This is sort of like unpacking a box or unpacking your luggage, because you're dismantling the components of something, but it's more likely an idea than a physical object.

Definitions of unpack

1. verb

   remove from its packing
   “unpack the presents”

   synonyms: take out

   antonyms:

   pack

   arrange in a container

   types:

   bring out, get out

   take out of a container or enclosed space

   unbox

   remove from a box

   break out

   take from stowage in preparation for use

   uncrate

   remove from the crate

   winkle, winkle out

   remove or displace from a position

   type of:

   remove, take, take away, withdraw

   remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract