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.
According to charging documents, officers later found Seymour’s apartment unlocked and abandoned, her vehicle parked at Salt Lake City International Airport, and a notebook outlining plans to discard phones and documents. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 Of course, the Heat could make its offer even better by trying to flip Andrew Wiggins or Norman Powell for an additional first-round selection ahead of Thursday’s deadline that would unlock a third first-round pick to offer the Bucks. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 This iteration was notably surreal, what with the goopy-faced woman, cartoonish DIY bomb, and witchcraft unlocking true love’s kiss. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026 For the first time, Forbes is heading to Phoenix, AZ from April 19–22 to unlock that southwest energy at the 2026 Forbes Under 30 Summit. Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlock. Accessed 5 Feb. 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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