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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But a new report suggests that customers decided to buy those goods online rather than wait for someone to come by and unlock a display case. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024 Bundlers who hit certain fundraising tiers unlock perks such as invitations to events with candidates and have been known to receive coveted appointments. Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 There may have also been confusion around management’s theoretical comments about discontinuing the use of Simul-frac, which has unlocked a lot of capital efficiencies. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 The video showed Cruden rush to lock the front door, but moments later, she is seen in the footage unlocking the door to allow in a group of adults and children dressed in Halloween costumes who were banging on the door and screaming for help. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unlock 

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 29 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!