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

Instead of allowing agents to unlock the phone, the 30-year-old Atlantan gave them a code that deleted the phone’s contents, federal authorities say. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The time to invest is now in circular supply chains as a vital strategy to unlock the next generation of critical mineral recovery. — Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

But the most tantalizing capability the new barcodes can unlock is the ability to radically change the way America performs food safety. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

In addition, officials added a second pool of reserves, which will be unlocked at a second, higher price threshold. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 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