unlock
unlock — verb
1. to release the lock of something such as a door, gate, or box so that it can be
to release the lock of something such as a door, gate, or box so that it can be opened, typically with a key or by typing a code.
Jabari unlocked the front door with his key and stepped inside.
unlock + door with a key
The security guard unlocked the gate at exactly eight o'clock.
passive agent: security guard + unlock + gate
Hari unlocked his bicycle lock and rode off to meet his friends.
Could you unlock this drawer for me? I lost the key somewhere.
Quinn unlocked the safe using the code the manager had given her.
- lock
to fasten something with a lock
文法句型
unlock + noun phrase
用法筆記
Usually takes a direct object referring to the locked item (door, gate, box, etc.). The instrument (key, code) is introduced by with or using.
常見錯誤
2. to provide a passcode, pattern, or biometric scan on a phone or tablet so that t
to provide a passcode, pattern, or biometric scan on a phone or tablet so that the screen turns on and the device becomes ready for use.
Élise unlocked her phone by pressing her thumb on the screen.
unlock + phone + by + method
The screen stays dark until you unlock it with a password.
passive: unlock + with a password
Ramón unlocked his tablet to check the train schedule.
Yumi set a new code and now unlocks her phone much faster.
- log into
broader; refers to accessing an account, not just the screen
- lock
to put the device into a locked screen state
文法句型
unlock + phone / device
用法筆記
Subject is typically a person; the object is the phone, tablet, or screen. Frequently used with by + method (fingerprint, face, code) or with + tool.
常見錯誤
3. to remove the software restriction on a mobile phone so that it can work with an
to remove the software restriction on a mobile phone so that it can work with any phone company's network instead of only the one it was originally sold for.
The phone company unlocked Pim's phone so he could switch to a cheaper plan.
unlock + phone + for switching network
Rania asked the shop to unlock her phone before her trip to Japan.
Some mobile networks will not unlock a device until the contract ends.
After paying off the phone, Ilan had it unlocked for international use.
- unblock
sometimes used interchangeably but less precise for network unlocking
文法句型
unlock + phone / device + for + network
用法筆記
Subject is usually a phone company, shop, or technician. The phone is the object. Common in discussions about phone contracts and international travel.
4. to find and reveal facts about something that were previously hidden or unknown
to find and reveal facts about something that were previously hidden or unknown — for example, a scientist who cracks the code of an ancient language.
The research team unlocked the secrets of an ancient writing system.
unlock + the secrets of + something
A team of geologists unlocked new information about how mountains form.
New DNA technology helped the detective unlock the truth behind the case.
These old letters could unlock the mystery of what happened to the ship.
- conceal
to keep something hidden on purpose
文法句型
unlock + the secrets / truth / mystery + of + something
用法筆記
The object is usually an abstract noun: secrets, mystery, truth, information. Often used in academic, investigative, or journalistic contexts.
5. to make something, such as a skill, resource, or opportunity, become available a
to make something, such as a skill, resource, or opportunity, become available and usable when it was previously not being used enough or to its full extent.
The training course helped Christopher unlock his full potential as a musician.
unlock + potential + as a [role]
Proper funding can unlock the economic power of rural communities.
This new software unlocks features that were previously hidden from users.
María believes that education can unlock opportunities for young people.
- stifle
to prevent something from developing or being used
文法句型
unlock + potential / value / power + of + something
用法筆記
Subject is often an abstract noun (training, education, investment) or a tool (software, policy). Object is typically an abstract noun like potential, power, value, or opportunity.
6. to make hidden content in a video game, such as a new level, character, or piece
to make hidden content in a video game, such as a new level, character, or piece of equipment, become available to the player, usually after reaching a goal or finishing a challenge.
Players unlock a new racing track after winning the first five races.
unlock + a new [item] + after + [condition]
Quinn unlocked a secret level by finding all the hidden coins.
You can unlock special weapons by defeating the final boss.
Nicholas spent hours trying to unlock all the achievements in the game.
文法句型
unlock + level / feature / item / achievement
用法筆記
Common in informal contexts, especially gaming forums and reviews. The object is the reward (level, item, achievement). The condition is introduced by after, by, or once.
7. to free a person's imagination so that it starts producing original ideas and vi
to free a person's imagination so that it starts producing original ideas and vivid pictures in the mind.
Travel can unlock the imagination in ways that no book can.
can unlock + the imagination
The art teacher's class unlocked Asher's imagination and he began to paint every day.
A good story unlocks the imagination and lets you see the world differently.
Music has a way of unlocking the imagination and bringing back old memories.
- inhibit
to hold back or restrict creative thinking
文法句型
unlock + the / someone's + imagination
用法筆記
The direct object is almost always imagination, creativity, or mind. Subject is typically an experience (travel, art, music, reading) that inspires creative thinking.