Unlock

/ʌnˈlɒk/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To open or set free (a lock or barrier), allowing access.

She used her key to unlock the door to the garden.

To make available or accessible, to remove limitations.

The new software update will unlock features that were previously unavailable.

To reveal or disclose something that was hidden.

The detective worked hard to unlock the mysteries of the case.

To make someone’s potential or talents available or usable.

The coach helped the athlete unlock her full potential.

The word 'unlock' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'lock'.

unlock potential

To allow someone or something to develop or improve.

unlock the secrets

To discover or reveal hidden truths.

unlock a mystery

To solve or understand something that is puzzling.

lock

A device for securing something.

key

A device that unlocks a lock.

bar

A physical barrier.

To achieve success or understanding.

After studying hard, I finally unlocked the math problem.

To figure something out.

Once I unlocked the secret to her recipe, I could make it perfectly.