Unlock Meaning in English

word

US

/ənˈɫɑk/

uhn-LAHK

UK

/ʌnlˈɒk/

uhn-LOK

Definition

To open something that was locked, such as a door or a phone. It can also mean to give access to something that was unavailable before.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used for physical locks (doors, cars) and digital access (phones, accounts). Typical collocations: 'unlock the door', 'unlock your phone', 'unlock achievements'. Can also be used metaphorically: 'unlock potential'. Don't confuse with 'unblock' (removal of an obstacle or ban).

• Spanish: desbloquear - abrir (cerradura)
• Portuguese (BR): destravar - desbloquear - abrir (fechadura)
• Portuguese (PT): destrancar - desbloquear - abrir (fechadura)
• Chinese (Simplified): 解锁 - 打开（锁）
• Chinese (Traditional): 解鎖 - 打開（鎖）
• Hindi: अनलॉक करना - ताला खोलना
• Arabic: فتح القفل - إلغاء القفل
• Bengali: আনলক করা - খুলে ফেলা
• Russian: разблокировать - отпереть
• Japanese: 解除する - ロックを外す
• Vietnamese: mở khóa
• Korean: 잠금 해제하다 - 열다
• Turkish: kilidini açmak
• Urdu: انلاک کرنا - کھولنا
• Indonesian: membuka kunci

Example Sentences

If you pay extra, you can unlock premium features.

natural

He finally managed to unlock the secret level in the game.

natural

A good teacher helps students unlock their potential.

natural

Can you unlock the door for me?

basic

She forgot how to unlock her phone.

basic

You need a key to unlock the box.

basic