unlock
gb/ʌnlˈɑk/ us/ʌnlˈɑk/
A2
English
~ 8900
kinyit, kiold, felold, elérhetővé tesz, felszabadít, felszínre hoz, feltár, kibontakoztat
VERB
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to unlock [something]
She forgot to unlock the front door before the guests arrived.
Elfelejtette kinyitni a bejárati ajtót, mielőtt megérkeztek a vendégek.
I always unlock my bike and bring it inside at night.
Mindig kinyitom a biciklizárat, és éjszakára beviszem a biciklit.
The guard unlocked the gate and waved the truck through.
He unlocked the safe and took out the documents.
Could you unlock the car so I can put my bag inside?
Learner examples
Please unlock the door; I don't have a key.
Kérlek, nyisd ki az ajtót; nincs nálam kulcs.
He unlocked the car and we got in.
Kinyitotta az autót, és beszálltunk.
The teacher unlocked the classroom in the morning.
I can't unlock this box because I lost the key.
The manager unlocked the office at nine o'clock.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *open the lock* when they mean *unlock the door* or *unlock the box*. Use *unlock* with the thing that has the lock (door, car, safe), not usually with the word *lock* itself.
Meaning
open something that is locked
Collocations
unlock the door
|unlock the front door
|unlock the car
|unlock the safe
|unlock with a key
|unlock the gate
Synonyms
open (More general and does not always imply a lock; can be used for things like windows, boxes, or mouths.)
|
unfasten (More formal and general; used for things held closed by a buckle, clasp, or strap, not only by locks.)
Antonyms
lock (Means to secure something with a lock so it cannot be opened.)
|
secure (Broader; means to make something safe or fixed, often by locking or fastening it.)
Themes
daily life
|home
|travel
|daily_life
|housing
Definition
To open something that has a lock, like a door or a car, by using a key, code, or card.
To open something that is secured with a lock, usually by using a key, code, or similar device to release the locking mechanism.
VERB
B1
2
felold
B1
Usage pattern:
to unlock [a device/screen/account]
You need to unlock your phone before you can use the banking app.
Fel kell oldanod a telefonodat, mielőtt használhatod a banki alkalmazást.
I can't unlock my laptop because I forgot the password.
Nem tudom feloldani a laptopom zárolását, mert elfelejtettem a jelszót.
She unlocked the screen with her fingerprint and checked her messages.
If you enter the wrong code three times, you won't be able to unlock the device.
Customer service helped him unlock his account after the security check.
Learner examples
I unlock my phone with my face.
Az arcommal oldom fel a telefonomat.
Please unlock the tablet so I can watch the video.
Kérlek, oldd fel a tabletet, hogy megnézhessem a videót.
He forgot the code and could not unlock his phone.
You must unlock the screen to see the menu.
She unlocked her account after changing the password.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *open* instead of *unlock* for devices, saying *open my phone* instead of *unlock my phone*. Use *unlock* when you remove security protection, and *open* for apps or files (e.g. *open the app*, *open the file*).
Meaning
make a phone or device usable
Collocations
unlock your phone
|unlock the screen
|unlock the device
|unlock with a password
|unlock with Face ID
|unlock your account
Synonyms
log in (Used more for accessing online accounts or computer systems, not usually for simply waking a phone screen.)
Antonyms
lock (To make a device require a password, code, or biometric check again.)
Themes
technology
|daily life
|communication
Definition
To enter a code, password, or use your face or finger so you can use your phone, tablet, computer, or another device.
To remove a password, code, biometric check, or other security restriction so that a digital device, account, or screen can be used.
VERB
B2
3
Usage pattern:
to unlock [resources/options/features]
The new policy is expected to unlock funds for small businesses.
Az új szabályozás várhatóan forrásokat szabadít fel a kisvállalkozások számára.
Subscribing to the premium plan will unlock extra features in the app.
A prémium csomagra való előfizetés extra funkciókat tesz elérhetővé az alkalmazásban.
Improved transport links could unlock economic opportunities in the region.
The charity campaign helped unlock resources for communities in need.
This agreement will unlock access to international markets for local farmers.
Learner examples
Paying a fee can unlock more tools in the software.
Ha fizetsz egy díjat, több eszköz válhat elérhetővé a szoftverben.
The new rule will unlock money for student programs.
Az új szabály pénzt szabadít fel a diákprogramok számára.
Better roads can unlock jobs in the area.
The company hopes to unlock new markets in Asia.
This plan may unlock more help for poor families.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with the physical meaning and think *unlock* must always involve a real lock. In business, news, or tech, *unlock* is often used figuratively with words like *resources*, *funds*, *features*, and *opportunities* to mean *make them available*, not to open a physical lock.
Meaning
make resources or features available
Collocations
unlock resources
|unlock funds
|unlock new features
|unlock access to
|unlock opportunities
|unlock investment
Synonyms
release (Very close in meaning; slightly more general and common in formal and informal contexts.)
|
enable (Focuses more on making something possible or turning something on, especially in technical or software contexts.)
Antonyms
block (To prevent access to resources or features so they cannot be used.)
|
restrict (To limit how much something can be used or who can use it.)
Themes
business
|technology
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make money, help, or special features available so people can use them.
To release or make available money, resources, options, or features that were previously restricted or not usable.
VERB
B2
4
Usage pattern:
to unlock [potential/secrets/creativity/feelings]
Good teachers know how to unlock a child's natural curiosity.
A jó tanárok tudják, hogyan ébresszék fel egy gyerek természetes kíváncsiságát.
The research could unlock the secrets of how the human brain learns.
A kutatás feltárhatja az emberi agy tanulásának titkait.
Traveling abroad helped unlock his confidence and independence.
The therapy sessions slowly unlocked memories from her childhood.
This book aims to unlock your creativity with simple daily exercises.
Learner examples
A kind coach can unlock a student’s talent.
Egy kedves edző felszínre hozhatja egy diák tehetségét.
The new study hopes to unlock the secrets of sleep.
Az új kutatás célja, hogy feltárja az alvás titkait.
Learning another language can unlock new ideas in your mind.
The music unlocked strong feelings from his past.
Her classes helped unlock my creativity.
Common mistake:
Learners may take this meaning too literally and expect a real lock or key. Here, *unlock* is figurative and is often used with abstract nouns like *potential*, *secrets*, *creativity*, *memories*, and *emotions* to mean *help them come out* or *help people understand them*.
Meaning
reveal or bring out something hidden
Collocations
unlock your potential
|unlock creativity
|unlock the secrets of
|unlock the mystery of
|unlock hidden talents
|unlock memories
Synonyms
reveal (Focuses on making something known or visible; does not always carry the idea of enabling use or growth.)
|
unleash (Stronger and more dramatic; often suggests releasing powerful or intense forces or emotions.)
Antonyms
suppress (To keep feelings, abilities, or ideas hidden or held back instead of letting them come out.)
|
conceal (To hide information or feelings so they are not seen or understood.)
Themes
education
|emotions
|personal growth
Definition
To help show or use something that was hidden, like a secret, an idea, or someone’s talent or feelings.
To cause something hidden, such as knowledge, understanding, abilities, or feelings, to be revealed, expressed, or fully used.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unlock
IPA
GB/ʌnlˈɑk/
US/ʌnlˈɑk/
Syllables & stress
un - lock (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lock)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: unlock
- 3rd Person Singular: unlocks
- Present Participle: unlocking
- Past: unlocked
Word family
Expressions
unlock the secrets of
1/ʌnlˈɑk ðə sˈikɹɪts əv/
fixed phrase
discover how something works
To find out and explain important hidden facts about something, so people understand it better.
Examples
- Scientists are trying to unlock the secrets of the human brain.
- This documentary aims to unlock the secrets of the deep ocean.
unlock value
1/ʌnlˈɑk vˈælju/
fixed phrase
technical
realize or release financial value
To change how you use something, like land, a company, or an idea, so that it brings more money or benefit.
Examples
- The merger is expected to unlock value for shareholders.
- Selling unused property can unlock value for the business.
unlock your potential
1/ʌnlˈɑk jˈʊɹ pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
help someone use full abilities
To start using all of your skills and abilities, often with help from someone or something.
Examples
- This course is designed to help you unlock your potential at work.
- A good mentor can unlock your potential and guide your career.