unlock

verb

un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk 

unlocked; unlocking; unlocks

transitive verb

1

: to unfasten the lock of

2

: open, undo

3

: to free from restraints or restrictions

the shock unlocked a flood of tears

4

: to furnish a key to : disclose

intransitive verb

: to become unfastened or freed from restraints

Synonyms

• loose
• loosen
• release
• uncork
• unleash
• unloose
• unloosen

Examples of unlock in a Sentence

Could you unlock the door for me?

geneticists unlocking the secrets of DNA

The material's potential was unlocked only through extensive testing.

How can I unlock my computer if I've forgotten the password?

This class will unlock your creativity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Through its capacity for self-evaluation, integration and memory, agentic AI unlocks chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning. —Vall Herard, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Connect your Epic Games and LEGO accounts to unlock the Mr Dappermint and Explorer Emilie Outfits. Fortnite Festival Platinum Event Fortnite Festival is celebrating its first anniversary, so expect a Platinum celebration event in this update. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Entz helped unlock linebacker Eric Gentry and developed Desman Stephens into a budding star by the end of his freshman season. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

The plan, first revealed in December 2023, aims to address Vivendi’s conglomerate discount (in which a diversified group is valued at less than the sum of its parts) and unlock value for its subsidiaries. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

unlock

verb

un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk 

ˈən-

1

: to open or unfasten through release of a lock

unlock the door

the chest won't unlock

2

: to set free : release

unlock a flood of emotions

3

: to make known

scientists unlocking the secrets of nature