unlock
verb (used with object)
to undo the lock of (a door, chest, etc.), especially with a key.
had unlocked
-
past perfectof unlock.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By his mid-30s, he had unlocked years of memories from his time fighting battles in space.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026
In one 2025 video, China’s state broadcaster quoted a pilot with the military’s 77th Group Army, Chen Kaixing, praising the progress such exercises had unlocked.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025
Another was convinced they had "unlocked" a human form of Elon Musk's chatbot Grok and believed their story was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2025
The moment she saw the 10 grand, it was like she had unlocked a “level of knowing.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2022
An inmate was standing outside the shower cell I had unlocked for the inmate who had a visit.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
