unlock

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To undo or open a lock or something locked by, for example, turning a key, or selecting a combination.
  2. To obtain access to something; to meet the requirements of a security or protection system.
  3. To configure (a mobile phone) so that it is not bound to any particular carrier.
  4. To disclose or reveal previously unknown knowledge or potential.
  5. To be or become unfastened or unrestrained.
  6. To make available.
  7. To undermine something that has control over a situation; to find a way to counter or oppose.
noun
  1. The act of unlocking something.
  2. An initially hidden feature that is made available to reward the player for some achievement.

Pronunciation

/ʌnˈlɒk/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-unlock.wav /ʌnˈlɑk/ /anˈlɔk/

Word forms

unlock unlocks unlocking unlocked

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Derived words

This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.