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

The field will unlock more than 600 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and associated gas liquids per day, according to ADNOC, equivalent to nearly 10% of the UAE’s current daily gas consumption. — Emma Graham, CNBC, 21 July 2026

The sheer variety of blues coming out of Switzerland has exploded in recent years, with advancements in dial manufacturing unlocking even more shades. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 July 2026

Participants earn passport stamps for every $10 purchase, unlocking prizes and a shot at a $325 gift card. — Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Compared to cooler-running fuel cells used in cars or small drones, these advanced systems unlock the necessary muscle for large aircraft while reducing the size and weight of the heavy cooling equipment needed to keep hydrogen powertrains stable. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 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