unlock
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.to open a door, box, or gate using a key or a secret code.
v.to undo a mechanical or electronic lock by means of a key, combination, or biometric data.
Simple“I couldn't unlock the front door because I had the wrong set of keys.”
In context“The janitor had to unlock every classroom in the wing before the students arrived for their morning examinations.”
UsageTransitive verb taking a physical object.
- 02 A2 Elementary
v.to gain access to a phone, computer, or app by entering a password.
v.to bypass a security screen or encryption on a digital device to make it functional.
Simple“You can unlock this phone just by looking at the camera.”
In context“Modern operating systems allow users to unlock their workstations using encrypted tokens or fingerprint recognition.”
UsageOften used with 'phone', 'screen', or 'account'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to find a way to use a skill or a secret that was hidden before.
v.to release or make available a latent power, a hidden quality, or restricted information.
Simple“This new course will help you unlock your creative potential.”
In context“The researchers hope that these new documents will finally unlock the mystery of the lost colony.”
UsageFrequently collocates with 'potential', 'secrets', or 'mysteries'.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to change a phone's settings so it can work with any mobile company.
v.to remove a service provider's software restriction on a handset, allowing it to operate on any compatible network.
Simple“I need to unlock my phone before I travel so I can use a local SIM card.”
In context“The technician explained that while the hardware was compatible, the carrier refused to unlock the device until the contract expired.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a special feature or item in a video game that you earn by playing well.
n.an initially inaccessible feature, character, or item in a video game made available as a reward for achievement.
Simple“If you finish the level in under three minutes, you get a secret unlock.”
In context“The latest patch added several cosmetic unlocks that players can earn by participating in the seasonal tournament.”
Synonyms
Usage unlock new
From Middle English unloken, unlouken, onlouken, from Old English onlūcan (“to unlock”), equivalent to un- + lock. Cognate with Dutch ontluiken (“to unlock”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.