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

Purchasing the Starlux Music Pass automatically unlocks the Melodie Mars Outfit, with LISA’s content anchoring the upper tiers of the pass. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Nov. 2025

Owning manufacturing also unlocks opportunities to test innovations in-house. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

Team president Florentino Pérez wants to unlock some of that value via a stake sale of up to 10% in the 36-time LaLiga champion. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2025

Experts believe the move could be used to unlock a potent legal tool. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

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