Unlock
/ʌnˈlɒk/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo release a lock or fastenings to open a door, container, device, or system.
/ʌnˈlɒk/
To open a lock or the equivalent
He unlocked the safe to retrieve the documents.
💡 Simply: Imagine your front door is locked. To unlock it, you put the key in and turn it until the door opens! It's the same for anything that keeps something closed.
👶 For kids: To open something that's closed with a key or a code.
More Examples
Please unlock the car so I can get my bag.
The system needs to be unlocked before any changes can be made.
How It's Used
"She unlocked the door with her key."
"The phone needs to be unlocked before you can use it."
To remove a restriction that prevents access or use.
/ʌnˈlɒk/
To make something available that was previously restricted
The company unlocked its potential with the new marketing campaign.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a video game, and you have to finish a level to play the next one. Unlocking the next level is like getting to play something you weren't allowed to before! It means making something available.
👶 For kids: To make something you couldn't use before, like a new game in a video game.
More Examples
We need to unlock this feature by upgrading the software.
The author unlocked new perspectives on the subject through their research.
How It's Used
"They unlocked the new level of the game after the player reached a certain score."
"The company unlocked its full potential after hiring the new CEO."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
unlock a door
To open a door by removing a lock.
"He unlocked the door and stepped inside."
unlock your potential
To realize and make use of your abilities, skills, and talents.
"She took a course to unlock her potential as a public speaker."
From Old English *unlūcan*, from Proto-Germanic *un- + *lūkaną* (“to close, shut”).
The word "unlock" has been used in its current sense since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a key turning in a lock to open something.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: lūcan