Unpin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unpin

[ˌʌnˈpɪn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

digital context

To unpin means to detach or release an item from a fixed position or location, typically in a digital interface. An example is removing a pinned message or shortcut from an application, which allows it to be treated as a regular item once again.

Synonyms

detach, release, remove.

Examples of usage

You can unpin the app from your taskbar.
After reading, I decided to unpin the conversation in my messaging app.
To unpin the note, simply drag it to a different section.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

In digital terms, 'unpin' is commonly used in software to describe removing an item from a fixed position on a screen, like unpinning a note on a digital board.
Many apps allow users to pin important messages and later unpin them to prioritize other conversations.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often unpin crucial evidence from a board to signal a breakthrough in their investigation.
In various TV shows, the act of unpinning can symbolize the release of secrets or past memories.

Psychology

The concept of unpinning in personal growth can represent letting go of attachments or ideas that no longer serve you.
Unpinning thoughts can be a mental exercise in decluttering the mind, similar to organizing a physical space.

Literature

The act of unpinning can be a metaphor in storytelling, representing freedom or change, where characters let go of past bindings.
In poetry, similes involving unpinning can describe emotional release or the shedding of burdens.

Origin of 'unpin'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' in English indicates a reversal or removal of something.
The word 'pin' comes from Old English 'pinn', which refers to a small pointed piece of metal used for fastening.

The term 'unpin' combines the prefix 'un-', which indicates reversal or negation, with 'pin', a noun derived from Old English 'pinn', meaning to attach or hold together. Originally, 'pin' referred to a small, slender object used to fasten things. The verb 'to pin' evolved in the 15th century, describing the act of securing items together. As digital technology emerged in the late 20th century, so did the need for terms signifying the management of digital contents. 'Unpin' arose as a logical antonym, frequently used in the context of software applications and interfaces, denoting the ability to detach or remove items that were previously secured or highlighted.