# unlock

> English word · Verb · IPA /ʌnˈlɒk/ · frequency rank #8,374

## Definitions
1. To undo or open a lock or something locked by, for example, turning a key, or selecting a combination.
2. To obtain access to something; to meet the requirements of a security or protection system.
3. To configure (a mobile phone) so that it is not bound to any particular carrier.
4. To disclose or reveal previously unknown knowledge or potential.
5. To be or become unfastened or unrestrained.
6. To make available.
7. To undermine something that has control over a situation; to find a way to counter or oppose.

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

## Easily confused with
- **unpack** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/unlock-vs-unpack)
- **unlucky** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/unlock-vs-unlucky)
- **unlocked** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/unlock-vs-unlocked)
- **unload** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/unload-vs-unlock)
- **unblock** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/unblock-vs-unlock)

## Common misspellings (9)
`nulock`, `ulnock`, `unlcok`, `unllock`, `unlocck`, `unlockk`, `unlokc`, `unnlock`, `unolck`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/unlock