unlock
word
/ənˈɫɑk/
uhn-LAHK
/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 खोलनाArabic: فتح القفل - إلغاء القفلBengali: আনলক করা - খুলে ফেলাRussian: разблокировать - отперетьJapanese: 解除する - ロックを外すVietnamese: mở khóaKorean: 잠금 해제하다 - 열다Turkish: kilidini açmakUrdu: انلاک کرنا - کھولناIndonesian: membuka kunci
Example Sentences
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
He finally managed to unlock the secret level in the game.
natural
If you pay extra, you can unlock premium features.
natural
A good teacher helps students unlock their potential.
natural