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

Other Word Forms

• unlockable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlock¹

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

Example Sentences

"Our team has shown how to unlock much more of that surface area by simply changing the way the material is heat-treated," said Professor Majumder.

Read more on Science Daily

The hope is that would unlock cash for the economy, despite big tax rises, big increases on welfare spending and the country's still whopping debts.

Read more on BBC

Some technologists also wonder if large language models will ever have the potential to unlock the most futuristic AI visions.

Read more on MarketWatch

But all of it hung, to some degree, on whether Witkoff could unlock the conflict his boss had pledged during his campaign to resolve in a single day.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In a recorded confession reported by KTLA, Ali described to detectives how, after returning from dropping off their 2- and 5-year-old sons, he left his trunk open and approached Castillo’s door, which he found unlocked.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decipher 
• undo 
• unravel