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

Yu also posted on Weibo that the roof tent also unlocks a side awning with the same single button press. — New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026

The proposal has drawn questions from opponents about how the plan squares with the historic preservation easement placed on the property, which could unlock a tax deduction for investors as development rights are restricted. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

The value isn't going to unlock itself while the deal team is off reading about data centers. — Louis Mosca, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Building trust To unlock AI’s full value, the industry will need secure, affordable environments in which organizations can train and deploy models without losing control of information. — Martin Halliwell, Space.com, 3 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