What does "unlock" mean?

1. (to open a lock) to open a door, box, or gate using a key or a secret code. 2. (digital access) to gain access to a phone, computer, or app by entering a password. 3. (to reveal potential) to find a way to use a skill or a secret that was hidden before. 4. (remove carrier limits) to change a phone's settings so it can work with any mobile company. 5. (gaming reward) a special feature or item in a video game that you earn by playing well.

How do you use "unlock"?

Transitive verb taking a physical object. Often used with 'phone', 'screen', or 'account'. Frequently collocates with 'potential', 'secrets', or 'mysteries'.

unlock

v. · n.

US //ənˈɫɑk// UK //ʌnlˈɒk// un·lock

1 to open a lock (v.)
A2 Elementary

to open a door, box, or gate using a key or a secret code.

to undo a mechanical or electronic lock by means of a key, combination, or biometric data.

Example

I couldn't unlock the front door because I had the wrong set of keys.

Example

The janitor had to unlock every classroom in the wing before the students arrived for their morning examinations.

Usage

Transitive verb taking a physical object.
- open
- unfasten
- lock
- secure
2 digital access (v.)
A2 Elementary Computing

to gain access to a phone, computer, or app by entering a password.

to bypass a security screen or encryption on a digital device to make it functional.

Example

You can unlock this phone just by looking at the camera.

Example

Modern operating systems allow users to unlock their workstations using encrypted tokens or fingerprint recognition.

Usage

Often used with 'phone', 'screen', or 'account'.
- access
- log in
- lock

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3 to reveal potential (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to find a way to use a skill or a secret that was hidden before.

to release or make available a latent power, a hidden quality, or restricted information.

Example

This new course will help you unlock your creative potential.

Example

The researchers hope that these new documents will finally unlock the mystery of the lost colony.

Usage

Frequently collocates with 'potential', 'secrets', or 'mysteries'.
- suppress
- hide
4 remove carrier limits (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

to change a phone's settings so it can work with any mobile company.

to remove a service provider's software restriction on a handset, allowing it to operate on any compatible network.

Example

I need to unlock my phone before I travel so I can use a local SIM card.

Example

The technician explained that while the hardware was compatible, the carrier refused to unlock the device until the contract expired.
5 gaming reward (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

a special feature or item in a video game that you earn by playing well.

an initially inaccessible feature, character, or item in a video game made available as a reward for achievement.

Example

If you finish the level in under three minutes, you get a secret unlock.

Example

The latest patch added several cosmetic unlocks that players can earn by participating in the seasonal tournament.
- achievement
- reward

Origin

From Middle English unloken, unlouken, onlouken, from Old English onlūcan (“to unlock”), equivalent to un- + lock. Cognate with Dutch ontluiken (“to unlock”).