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

Synonyms of unlock

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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.
Its dual 10 Gbps WAN/LAN ports unlock multi-gigabit fiber connections and high-speed NAS setups, while Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows devices to use multiple bands simultaneously for ultra-low latency streaming and AR/VR gaming. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 Even without a national EPR policy, more consistent goals, targets and design incentives across states could help policymakers better unlock the full potential of these laws. — Erin Victor, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Students regain access to their devices at dismissal by tapping the pouch against an unlocking device. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 And it will be secured by old-school Touch ID, not Face ID, the current security gate for unlocking an iPhone. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 Aug. 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

Rhymes for unlock

See All Rhymes for unlock

Browse Nearby Words

unlocated
unlock
unlodge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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