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

Betr is offering new users promo code FOXNEWS to unlock $200 in bonuses and four free picks for one of the best Saturdays of the season. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

When the neighbor came to the victim’s door, it was unlocked, police sources said. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026

Cramer remains optimistic about CEO Steve Cahillane's ability to unlock shareholder value, citing his track record at Kellogg. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

That could unlock more opportunities to deploy Digit 5 beyond the confines of isolated work cells within warehouses and factories, said Pras Velagapudi, chief technology officer at Agility, in a previous conversation with Ars. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 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