unlock

[ uhn-lok ]

verb (used with object)

1. to undo the lock of (a door, chest, etc.), especially with a key.
2. to open or release by or as if by undoing a lock.
3. to open (anything firmly closed or joined):

   to unlock the jaws.

4. to lay open; disclose:

   to unlock the secrets of one's heart.

verb (used without object)

1. to become unlocked.

unlock

/ ʌnˈlɒk /

verb

1. tr to unfasten (a lock, door, etc)
2. tr to open, release, or let loose
3. tr to disclose or provide the key to

   unlock a puzzle

4. intr to become unlocked

Derived Forms

• unˈlockable, adjective

Other Words From

• un·locka·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlock¹

1350–1400; Middle English unloken; un- ², lock ¹

Example Sentences

Is there untapped potential for City to unlock?

From BBC

Body-centric data can include information such as the fingerprints used to unlock phones, face scans from facial recognition technology, and data from fitness and fertility trackers, mental health apps and digital medical records.

From Los Angeles Times

With this new threat unlocked, the search crew must fight for survival and what they choose to do with this discovery could change planet Earth as they know it.

From Salon

A post-Brexit deal could unlock valuable markets for British cars, Scottish whisky, and financial services worth billions of pounds, with India on course to become the third largest economy in the world by 2050.

From BBC

Congress has granted presidents broad power to declare national emergencies at their discretion, unlocking standby powers that include redirecting funds lawmakers had appropriated for other purposes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• decipher
• undo
• unravel