Unlocked
/ʌnˈlɒkt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo release something from a locked state; to make something accessible or usable.
/ʌnˈlɒkt/
To open a lock or door.
She unlocked the safe to retrieve the documents.
💡 Simply: It's like when you use a key to open a door, except this word means the door *is already* open or you've made it able to be opened.
👶 For kids: When something is locked, you can't open it. When something is unlocked, you *can* open it!
More Examples
I unlocked the front door and went inside.
The software unlocked new features after the user paid.
How It's Used
"He unlocked the car door."
"The developer unlocked the bootloader of the device."
Not secured or fastened with a lock; in a state where access is possible.
/ʌnˈlɒkt/
Not secured by a lock.
The front door was unlocked, so I went in.
💡 Simply: If a door or something else doesn't have a lock on it, or the lock isn't keeping it shut, it is unlocked.
👶 For kids: When something is unlocked, it's ready to be opened!
More Examples
The phone's bootloader is unlocked.
His potential has finally been unlocked.
How It's Used
"The door was unlocked."
"The secrets of the universe have been unlocked."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to unlock a potential
To enable or release someone's innate abilities or capabilities.
"The new training program helped to unlock the potential of the employees."
to unlock a mystery
To solve or explain a puzzling or secretive situation.
"The detective worked tirelessly to unlock the mystery behind the missing artifact."
From Old English *unlūcan*, meaning 'to open' or 'to release'. The prefix 'un-' indicates the reversal of an action, in this case, locking.
The word 'unlock' has been used since the early 14th century, evolving from the Old English term. It was initially used primarily in a literal sense, to describe the action of opening a lock.