unlock

verb

un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk How to pronounce unlock (audio)
unlocked; unlocking; unlocks

transitive verb

1
: to unfasten the lock of
2
: open, undo
3
: to free from restraints or restrictions
the shock unlocked a flood of tears
4
: to furnish a key to : disclose

intransitive verb

: to become unfastened or freed from restraints

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 And added unlocking this type of carbon finance is vital to achieving global Net Zero goals, especially for ocean projects given Life Below Water is the least funded of all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) currently. Jamie Hailstone, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access. The Week Staff, theweek, 23 Oct. 2024 Desperate for a creative breakthrough, the pair escape to a secluded airbnb where Allina concocts a dangerous game for the two to play to unlock her writer’s block. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024 Landry’s proposal also calls for giving the state legislature greater spending flexibility by removing the restrictions on how specific funds are used, thereby unlocking revenues for broader use. Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unlock 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unlock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlock was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unlock

Cite this Entry

“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlock. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unlock

verb
un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk How to pronounce unlock (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on unlock

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