lock
Fasten something with a lock
To close something with a lock so it cannot be opened without a key or code.
to lock [something]
- Please lock the front door before you leave.
- She locked her bike to the fence.
- They locked the safe after putting the documents inside.
- I forgot to lock my car last night.
- He quickly locked the drawer when someone knocked.
- Lock the door when you go out.
- I lock my bike at school.
- Please lock the window.
- We lock our car at night.
Device that fastens something closed
A thing that keeps a door, gate, etc. closed and needs a key or code to open it.
- The lock on the front door is broken.
- He installed a new lock on his bike.
- This suitcase has a built-in lock.
- Can you fix the lock on the gate?
- She forgot the combination to her lock.
- The lock is broken.
- I have a new lock for my bike.
- This box has a lock.
- We need to fix the lock.
Become fixed in position
To stop moving and stay in one position, often because something is stuck.
[something] locks into place
- The gears locked and the machine stopped working.
- Her knees locked during the race.
- The folding legs lock into place when opened.
- The steering wheel locked after I removed the key.
- The wheel locked suddenly.
- The door locks when it closes.
- My computer locked and I could not type.
Chamber for raising/lowering boats
A part of a canal with gates that moves boats up or down to match water levels.
- The boat entered the lock to be raised to the next level.
- Engineers repaired the old canal lock.
- We waited while another ship passed through the lock.
- The boat is in the lock.
- A man opens the lock gate.
- The ship goes through the lock.
Small group of hairs together
A small piece of hair that grows or hangs together.
- He brushed a lock of hair from her face.
- She cut off a lock of her hair as a keepsake.
- Golden locks framed the child's face.
- She has a lock of hair on her face.
- He cut a lock of hair.
- I see a long lock of hair.
- Base: lock
- Plural: lock, locks
- Base: lock
- 3rd Person Singular: locks
- Present Participle: locking
- Past: locked
lock in
1Secure inside by locking doors/barriers
To keep someone or something inside by locking doors or gates.
- They locked the dog in for the night.
- Protesters were accidentally locked in the building.
lock out
1Prevent entry by locking doors/barriers
To stop someone from entering by locking doors or gates.
- I forgot my keys and locked myself out.
- They locked out the workers during the strike.
lock up
1Secure completely by locking
To close and lock all doors and windows before leaving or going to bed.
- Don't forget to lock up before you leave tonight.
- They always lock up the shop at 8 p.m.
lock horns
1Engage in direct conflict or argument
To get into an argument or fight with someone.
- The two leaders locked horns over trade policy.
- The two candidates locked horns over healthcare policy in the debate.
- They often lock horns during meetings.
- He often locks horns with his manager about how to run the team.
under lock and key
1Kept securely locked away
Kept somewhere safe and locked so no one can get it easily.
- The jewels are kept under lock and key at all times.
- The jewels are kept under lock and key.
- Sensitive documents should be under lock and key.
- Important documents are stored under lock and key.