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 company's MaonoLink software unlocks additional features to make recording a breeze. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 14 July 2026

This question helps unlock your potential friend’s deeper desires. — Anna Goldfarb, CNBC, 14 July 2026

The House voted 215-211 for a procedural rules package that will unlock the House floor this week, allowing GOP leadership to move forward with plans to vote on an appropriations bill and other legislative priorities. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026

Only one unidentified vehicle remained, sometimes assisting with opening and closing the gate as cars entered; someone from the vehicle had keys to unlock the fence. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 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