unlock

American  

[uhn-lok] / ʌnˈlɒk /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become unlocked.

unlock British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• unlockable adjective

Etymology

Origin of unlock

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

Example Sentences

"I have a group of men that I have helped to find levels of ability to unlock. We need to put more pressure on everyone's shoulders."

From Barron's

"It allows us to understand nature much better, and then unlock its secret to build technologies that make life more pleasant for all of us," he tells me.

From BBC

Turning in that “extraordinary growth” would unlock the full value of newly announced performance-based stock-option awards, which are still subject to a shareholder vote.

From MarketWatch

The investment is designed to unlock further funding and help the company expand across the UK and Europe.

From BBC

Writing from the heart, not to please others, unlocked everything, Sombr says.

From BBC

Related Words

• decipher
• undo
• unravel