unlock

Definition

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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "I unlocked the door and walked in."
• "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."