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

Additional opportunities that could further unlock shareholder value come from share repurchase, a turnaround in Maggiano's business, and restaurant development acceleration, Geiger wrote. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026

Each Smart Tag acts as a key for specific reactions and sounds, and these can also unlock mini-games with missions and goals. —New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2026

January 20 – February 18 Quiet reflection can unlock reassuring inner answers. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

The big one was Ben Johnson, the offensive whiz who unlocked Jared Goff and company, taking the Bears job in the NFC North. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 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