lock Definition

lock¹
noun

1. A mechanical device, usually consisting of a sliding bolt moved by turning a key, dial, etc, that provides security by fastening a door, lid, machine, item of movable property, etc.

Thesaurus: bolt, clasp, fastening, padlock, catch, hook, clamp.
2. An enclosed section of a canal or river in which the water level can be altered by means of gates, enabling boats to move from a higher section of the waterway to a lower one, or vice versa.
3. A state of being jammed or fixed together, and completely immovable.
4. The part of a gun that explodes the charge.
5. wrestling.
A tight hold which prevents an opponent from moving.
6. The full amount by which the front wheels of a vehicle will turn.
7. rugby.
Either of the two inside players in the second row of a scrum.
Form: lock forward (also)
8. An airlock.

verb locked, locking

1. To fasten (a door, box, bag, etc) with a lock.

Thesaurus: bolt, bar, clasp, fasten.
intr
2. Said of a door, window, etc: to become or have the means of becoming locked.
3. To shut up or secure a building, etc by locking all the doors and windows.
tr & intr
4. To jam or make something jam.
tr & intr
5. To fasten or make something be fastened so as to prevent movement.
6. To hold someone closely in an embrace or tussle.

Idiom: lock horns

To engage in battle, either physical or verbal.

Idiom: lock, stock and barrel

Completely; including everything.

Idiom: lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

To take action to stop something happening after it has already happened.

Idiom: under lock and key

Securely locked up.

In prison.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.

Phrasal Verb: lock someone in

To prevent them from getting out of a building or room by locking the doors.

Phrasal Verb: lock on or lock on to something

Said of a radar beam, etc: to track it automatically.

Phrasal Verb: lock someone out

To prevent them from getting into a building or room by locking the doors.To exclude (employees) from a factory or other workplace.

Phrasal Verb: lock something out

To prevent other users from accessing (a file) while one user is reading it or updating it.

Phrasal Verb: lock someone up

To confine them or prevent them from leaving by locking them in.

Phrasal Verb: lock something up

To lock (a building, etc) securely.

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lock²
noun

1. A section or curl of hair.

Thesaurus: ringlet, tuft, tress, twist, plait, braid.
2. literary
Hair.
Form: locks

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon locc.