unlock

S2 W2

BrE /ʌnˈlɒk/ AmE /ˌʌnˈlɑːk/

verb en → es

past unlocked pp unlocked ing unlocking

1 OPEN/UNLOCK [transitive, T + obj] A2

to open a door, box, etc. by using the key or other method that is needed to unlock it

desbloquear, abrir con la llave, desactivar el seguro

  • unlock something with a key

Collocations unlock the door · unlock a box

  • She unlocked the front door and went in.

    Ella desbloqueó la puerta principal y entró.

2 COMPUTER [transitive, T + obj] B1

to start using a computer program or system by entering the correct password, etc.

desbloquear (el ordenador), iniciar sesión en (un programa)

  • unlock a computer program

Collocations unlock an app · unlock the system

  • He had to unlock his email account before he could read his messages.

    Tuvo que desbloquear su cuenta de correo electrónico antes de poder leer sus mensajes.

Phrasal verbs

unlock something up SECURE/LOCK B2

desbloquear algo (temporalmente)

  • He unlocked the door and left it open.

    Él desbloqueó la puerta y la dejó abierta.

unlock something out EXIT/LEAVE B2

sacar algo de su lugar seguro

  • She unlocked the safe and took out the money.

    Ella desbloqueó el cofre y sacó el dinero.