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 late architect envisioned projections on Disney Hall, a chamber music venue, jazz club and better pedestrian connections to unlock the area’s potential. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Amazon cut the price from $649 unlocked to $159 and ultimately canceled the phone after 14 months, taking a $170 million charge for unsold inventory. —Greg Bensinger, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

The current rate is $1 to unlock a scooter or e-bike, plus 44 cents per minute of riding. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026

Sunway Group previously said the spin-off will help unlock shareholder value and improve the business’s access to capital markets. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 19 Mar. 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