unlock

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To open something that is locked, usually with a key or code.

   I unlocked the door and walked in.

2. 2
   verb

   To get access to something that was previously blocked or hidden.

   You unlock the next level by collecting enough points.

3. 3
   verb

   To reveal or release something hidden, such as knowledge or potential.

   The discovery of a clue unlocked the mystery.

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

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