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to unlock
01
to use a key, code, or other method to open a lock or seal, allowing access to something that was secured
Transitive: to unlock an entrance
Grammatical Information
Composition
derived
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
unlock
3rd person singular
unlocks
Present participle
unlocking
Past simple
unlocked
Past participle
unlocked
Examples
Before entering the room, she had to unlock the door with a key.
02
to become unfastened or freed from a locked or secured state
Intransitive
Examples
As she turned the key in the lock, the door unlocked with a click, allowing her to enter the room.
03
to make something available, accessible, or open up for use or access
Transitive: to unlock an opportunity or potential
Examples
The scholarship program aims to unlock educational opportunities for underprivileged students.
04
to make a cell phone capable of using any carrier network rather than an specific one
Transitive: to unlock a cell phone
Examples
After unlocking his cell phone, John was able to switch to a different carrier with better coverage in his area.
