un
lock
Third Person
unlocks
Present Participle
unlocking
Past Tense
unlocked
Past Participle
unlocked
1
to use a key, code, or other method to open a lock or seal, allowing access to something that was secured
transitive
- Before entering the room, she had to unlock the door with a key.
- To access the secured area, he had to unlock the gate with a passcode.
- The receptionist unlocks the office entrance at the start of the workday.
- The team is unlocking the storage room to retrieve supplies.
- He unlocked the chest to retrieve his belongings.
Antonyms:
2
to become unfastened or freed from a locked or secured state
- As she turned the key in the lock, the door unlocked with a click, allowing her to enter the room.
- The handcuffs were finally unlocked, granting the suspect freedom after being restrained.
- The gate swung open as the latch unlocked, granting access to the garden.
- With a gentle push, the jammed drawer finally unlocked and slid open smoothly.
- The brakes on the bicycle unlocked when he released the lever, allowing the wheels to turn freely.
Antonyms:
3
to make something available, accessible, or open up for use or access
transitive
- The scholarship program aims to unlock educational opportunities for underprivileged students.
- The online platform unlocked a vast library of resources, providing users with a wealth of knowledge and information.
- The company's expansion into new markets unlocked business opportunities.
- The mentor's guidance unlocked the individual's potential, helping them discover and develop their talents.
- The government's investment in infrastructure projects will unlock economic development in the region.
4
to make a cell phone capable of using any carrier network rather than an specific one
transitive
- After unlocking his cell phone, John was able to switch to a different carrier with better coverage in his area.
- The technician unlocked the cell phone, allowing the user to insert a SIM card from any carrier of their choice.
- The store offered a service to unlock cell phones.
- The cell phone manufacturer provided instructions on how to unlock the device.