Ungrasp

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To let go of something that is being held in the hand or hands
2. To release or loosen one's grip on an object being firmly clutched
3. To open the hand and release something that was being grasped

Etymology: "Ungrasp" is a simple formation: the prefix "un-" joined to "grasp." The prefix "un-" comes from Old English and was productively used to reverse or undo an action, so "ungrasp" means to release or let go of something that has been held. The verb "grasp" itself is probably of Middle English origin, possibly from a Germanic source related to the idea of gathering or clutching, so the reversing prefix attaches to a verb that already describes a firm, closing hold.