unlock

verb

un·lock | \ ˌən-ˈläk

unlocked; unlocking; unlocks

Definition of unlock

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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about unlock

Keep scrolling for more

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

In the BAZAAR Bride Ultimate Membership, subscribers will also unlock unlimited access to weddings on-site for one year. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Introducing: BAZAAR Bride—the Ultimate Membership for the Newly-Engaged," 5 Feb. 2019 For the first clue, fans unlocked an image of star Katherine McNamara. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, ""Shadowhunters" Fans Created Their Own Promo for the Show's Final Episodes," 9 Jan. 2019 This unlocks an extra 25kW (34hp) for a predetermined time. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Formula E starts season 5 in Saudi Arabia with a faster electric race car," 14 Dec. 2018 Those who fly and spend more, of course, unlock better perks at subsequent levels: Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K. Things To NoteSearching for reward availability can be painful. — Ryan Craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Frequent Flier and Airline Rewards Programs in the U.S.," 27 July 2018 The companies encrypt our secrets, and don’t store our master passwords used to unlock the encryption. — Geoffrey A. Fowler, The Seattle Times, "Password managers have a security flaw, but you should still use one," 19 Feb. 2019 While novel and very nicely integrated with the upward swipe to unlock the phone, this slider setup does make the phone more vulnerable to malfunction and susceptible to dust and water ingress. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "2018 was a weird notch year — what’s next?," 18 Dec. 2018 In August, the FBI became the first agency to use Face ID to unlock an iPhone X, according to Forbes. — Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "FBI Unlocks a Suspect's iPhone Using His Face," 1 Oct. 2018 Voxx has been a top company in developing ways for people to use smartphones to unlock car doors. — Marco Santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando tech firms UniKey, Voxx team up to push toward keyless, fobless car-door entry," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unlock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.