unlock

verb

un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk 

unlocked; unlocking; unlocks

transitive verb

1

: to unfasten the lock of : open the lock on

Can you unlock the car for me?

2

: open, undo

unlock the padlock

3

: to free from restraints or restrictions

The shock unlocked a flood of tears.

4

: to furnish a key to : disclose

cracked the code to unlock the message

intransitive verb

: to become unfastened or freed from restraints

Synonyms of unlock

• 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

Mercury in your 10th House of Career trines blessed Jupiter in your 2nd House of Analytics, so conversations can lift your income or unlock other support. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026

In some EVs, software can also unlock performance The rise of electric cars means some owners can download a little more performance for their cars. —Sean Tucker, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026

And in this country, the issue that can unlock the most opportunities for people who have the most struggles is education. —Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026

Williams started to walk toward his van, unlocking it from a distance with a key fob, the suit states. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026

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