verb
unlock
uhn-LOK
verb
1
To open something that is locked, such as a door or device.
"She used her fingerprint to unlock the phone."
"He unlocked the front door and let the dog out."
2
To make something available or reveal hidden potential.
"The scholarship unlocked opportunities she never thought possible."
3
In games, to make a feature or item available as a reward for progress.
"Beating the boss unlocks a new character."
How to Use Unlock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo open something locked, or figuratively to reveal or make available something previously hidden.
Common pairings
unlock the door
unlock potential
unlock a feature
Word Forms
unlocked past tense, unlocks plural, unlocks singular
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Etymology
From Old English onlucan, "to unlock," from "un-" + "lock."