unlock

verb

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

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

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.
In truth, the Hawks unlocked the Knicks’ full potential. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026 Discovery are under no contractual obligation to pay more for the new inventory the NCAA is creating, but unlocked ad and sponsorship revenue is expected to cover the costs of more games so that nobody involved takes a haircut. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Imagine swiping a card at a corner station, unlocking a bicycle, riding to the store or your office or the park or the beach and locking the bike at another station. Harry Bubbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 By beginning that path, Johnson was able to unlock the broader bipartisan bill for the rest of DHS. Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlock. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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

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