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

Nashville Zoo has unlocked a successful mating rate by keeping cubs together at a young age, going from 20% to 40% to a 95% success rate as part of its effort to protect animal species. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025

The door was unlocked and the keys were inside the car, sheriff’s office spokesman Adam Linhardt said. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025

Had hormones unlocked that possibility? —James Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

Marco Graffiedi, a fifth-year doctoral candidate at MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, is investigating a process that could unlock next-generation nuclear reactors and spacecraft. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 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