English Meaning & Definitions
To open a door, container, or device that has been fastened with a lock, typically using a key or a code.
- “She had to unlock the front door before she could carry the groceries inside.”
- “Please unlock your phone so I can see the map.”
To reveal, release, or make accessible something that was previously hidden, restricted, or unavailable.
- “The new software update will unlock several advanced features for users.”
- “Education is the key that can unlock a child's full potential.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “unlock”.
Derived from the Old English 'unlucan', a combination of the prefix 'un-' (reversal or negation) and 'lucan' (to lock or close). The root 'lucan' is of Germanic origin, related to the Old Saxon 'lūkan' and Old High German 'lūhhan'.
Imagine a key turning in a lock, reversing the 'lock' state to 'un-lock'.
Frequently Asked Questions About “unlock”
1. What is the meaning of “unlock” in English?
In English, unlock (verb) is defined as: “To open a door, container, or device that has been fastened with a lock, typically using a key or a code.”.
2. How do you use “unlock” in a sentence?
“She had to unlock the front door before she could carry the groceries inside.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “unlock”?
Derived from the Old English 'unlucan', a combination of the prefix 'un-' (reversal or negation) and 'lucan' (to lock or close). The root 'lucan' is of Germanic origin, related to the Old Saxon 'lūkan' and Old High German 'lūhhan'.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.