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

Anning co-founder and CEO Sophie Broun believes that methods borrowed from the oil and gas industry could unlock this energy source. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026

Here’s what happened outside before the doors officially unlocked. — Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026

Jim is confident Kimberly-Clark can unlock value from the Tylenol maker, which was spun off from healthcare giant and Club name Johnson & Johnson in 2023 and struggled to find its footing as a standalone entity. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

The hope is that these tax credits will unlock billions in donations that will make their way directly to students. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 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