WordLens

lock

1 of 2verb
/lɑk/
Forms:locks,locking,locked,locked
1

to secure something with a lock or seal

A2transitive
  • Before leaving, he had to lock the front door to ensure the security of the house.
  • The cyclist always makes sure to lock the bike to the rack before leaving.
  • The manager instructed the staff to lock the office doors after working hours.
  • She locks the front door every night before going to bed.
  • They locked the windows during the storm last night.
Antonyms:
unlock
2

to secure or confine something or someone within a defined space by fastening a door, lid, gate, or similar mechanism

transitive
  • The prisoner was locked in a small cell for 24 hours a day.
  • She locked her diary in a drawer to keep her thoughts private.
  • The museum curator carefully locked the valuable artifacts in a glass display case.
  • The shepherd locked the sheep in the pen overnight to protect them from predators.
  • They locked him in his room and refused to let him see his friends.
Synonyms:
lock inlock uplock awayshut upshut awayput away
3

(of a door, window, etc.) to become or be capable of being secured with a lock

  • The door locked automatically when it closed, providing an added layer of security.
  • The window was left slightly open, as it couldn't lock properly due to a faulty mechanism.
  • He struggled to get the key to turn in the lock, but eventually, it locked with a satisfying click.
  • The window was jammed, and it wouldn't lock properly, leaving a potential entry point for intruders.
Antonyms:
disengage
4

to become firmly secured or immovable in position

  • The bicycle chain got tangled, and the pedals locked, making it impossible to continue riding.
  • The gears of the machine locked, causing it to come to a sudden halt.
  • When the brakes were applied too hard, the wheels of the car locked, causing it to skid.
  • The car's brakes suddenly locked, causing it to skid and spin out of control.
Antonyms:
unlock
5

to join or fit together in a way that creates a secure and interconnected relationship

  • The Lego blocks locked with a satisfying click, forming a solid construction.
  • The teeth of the zipper locked, keeping the jacket fully fastened.
  • The construction panels locked together, creating a strong and sturdy structure.
  • As the puzzle pieces were placed together, they locked seamlessly, forming a complete picture.
  • The gears of the machinery locked perfectly, allowing for smooth and efficient operation.
Synonyms:
interlock
6

to secure or immobilize something, making it unmovable or rigid by interlacing or interlocking its parts

transitive
  • The mechanic locked the wheels of the car in place before working underneath it.
  • The wrestler used a powerful hold to lock his opponent's arm, rendering him immobile.
  • After assembling the furniture, he locked the joints together tightly to prevent wobbling.
  • The blacksmith locked the pieces of the iron gate together, ensuring its stability and security.
  • The jeweler secured the gemstones in the setting, locking them in place to prevent loss.
Synonyms:
interlaceinterlock