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

• unleash
• loosen
• release

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

Instead, in the hour before opening, a line grows to the corner, and by the time the doors unlock there’s a digital waitlist, which often stretches to ninety minutes or more. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 20 July 2025

That means many businesses could still unlock greater value. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

But that can be unlocked to 28 mph, and the bike can be had with a throttle as an optional extra. —New Atlas, 19 July 2025

The three-year goal is to help one hundred thousand customers unlock better mortgages, auto loans, and business credit. —Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 18 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for unlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

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