unlock

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   become unlocked

   The door unlocked from the inside

2. 2
   verb

   open the lock of

   unlock the door

3. 3
   verb

   To undo or open a lock or something locked by, for example, turning a key, or selecting a combination.

   I unlocked the door and walked in.

4. 4
   verb

   To obtain access to something; to meet the requirements of a security or protection system.

   I unlocked the dictionary article so I could edit it.

5. 5
   verb

   To disclose or reveal previously unknown knowledge or potential.

   The discovery of a clue unlocked the mystery.

6. 6
   verb

   To be or become unfastened or unrestrained.

   He had come straight up without mishap or swerving off his course, and his shut teeth unlocked.

7. 7
   verb

   To make available.

   He also warned of the supply chain issues, stating: "Don't pretend you're going to unlock half a dozen [electrification] schemes simultaneously because you'll probably flood the supply chain, we don't have the capacity."

8. 8
   verb

   To undermine something that has control over a situation; to find a way to counter or oppose.

   Saka's cross unlocked a well-organised Ukraine defence for Kane to pounce and set England on their way before producing a superb piece of individual skill to effectively end the contest.

Etymology

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