unlockverb/ʌnˈlɒk/

• 1

  To undo or open a lock or something locked by, for example, turning a key, or selecting a combination.

  • I unlocked the door and walked in.
• 2

  To obtain access to something; to meet the requirements of a security or protection system.

  • I unlocked the dictionary article so I could edit it.
  • This computer game is shareware, but you can pay for a code to unlock the full version.
• 3

  communicationselectrical-engineeringengineeringTo configure (a mobile phone) so that it is not bound to any particular carrier.

• 4

  To disclose or reveal previously unknown knowledge or potential.

  • The discovery of a clue unlocked the mystery.
  • Twitter has extraordinary potential. I will unlock it.
• 5

  To be or become unfastened or unrestrained.

  • He had come straight up without mishap or swerving off his course, and his shut teeth unlocked.
• 6

  To make available.

  • He also warned of the supply chain issues, stating: "Don't pretend you're going to unlock half a dozen [electrification] schemes simultaneously because you'll probably flood the supply chain, we don't have the capacity."
• 7

  To undermine something that has control over a situation; to find a way to counter or oppose.

  • Saka's cross unlocked a well-organised Ukraine defence for Kane to pounce and set England on their way before producing a superb piece of individual skill to effectively end the contest.

unlocknoun/ʌnˈlɒk/

• 1

  The act of unlocking something.

  • Unlike modern, automated prisons, each cell here was locked and unlocked manually with a large skeleton key. The first duty was to get a proper head count of each inmate, insuring each was alive. Once done, an unlock was conducted.
  • The instructions between a lock and an unlock form a critical section.
• 2

  video-gamesAn initially hidden feature that is made available to reward the player for some achievement.

  • The other unlocks, like a grenade launcher or a sniper's steady ability, didn't fit into my playstyle.