jimmying
/ˈdʒɪmiɪŋ/
VERB
1. Forcing something open with leverage
The act of prying something, especially a lock, door, or window, open with or as if with a crowbar.
1.1. Prying open a lock or secured entrance
Using a tool or applied leverage to force open a lock, door, window, or other secured entrance, often without authorization.
Synonyms
- prying
- levering
- forcing
- breaking
- prizing
Antonyms
- securing
- locking
- fastening
Examples
- The burglar was caught jimmying the lock of the jewelry store.
- Someone was jimmying the back door while the family was asleep.
- The detectives discovered evidence of jimmying around the window frame.
Related Words
- crowbar
- jemmy
- forced entry
- lock manipulation
- break-in
- tampering
1.2. Separating or dislodging objects
Using leverage or force to loosen, lift, detach, or separate objects that are stuck or joined together.
Synonyms
- detaching
- disengaging
- disjoining
- separating
- parting
- breaking up
- dividing
- shifting
- prying
- pulling
Antonyms
- connecting
- joining
Examples
- The workers were jimmying the wooden panels apart to remove the damaged section.
- He spent several minutes jimmying the stuck component loose.
- They were jimmying the old boards apart during the renovation.