unpadlockv.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈpadlɒk/, U.S. /ˌənˈpædˌlɑk/ transitive. To unlock the padlock of (a door, etc.); to free by unlocking a padlock. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > open [verb (transitive)] > a door, gate, etc. > unlock, unbolt, etc.
undoc950
unloukOE
unsparc1175
unsteekc1250
unpinc1300
unshutc1315
loosec1400
unbarc1400
unlockc1400
open?a1425
unbolt1598
unlatchc1625
unpadlock1769
unsneck1785
undub1807
unslot1827
unsnib1905
snick1927
1769 T. Smollett Adventures of Atom II. 38 He therefore consented that the mouths of the council should be unpadlocked pro hac vice.
1865 Baily's Monthly Mag. Apr. 281 The plate had been unpadlocked and nicely balanced.
1885 F. T. Buckland Curiosities Nat. Hist. 3rd Ser. 139 One of them unpadlocks a little boat, and paddles out to pick up the ducks.
1922 E. Farjeon Martin Pippin in Apple Orchard 48 They would never unpadlock sorrow, though they had the key in their keeping.
1992 Scotsman 16 Apr. 8/7 There was just one guard..and he unpadlocked my feet and hands.
2001 Mother Jones Mar. 38 She..draws aside a security grill and unpadlocks a door to let the children in.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2014; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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