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1. Dictionary

   Lock

   /läk/

   

   noun

   • 1. a mechanism for keeping a door, lid, etc., fastened, typically operated only by a key of a particular form: "the key turned firmly in the lock"
   • ▪ a device used to prevent the operation or movement of a vehicle or other machine: "a bicycle lock"
   • ▪ a facility on a computer or mobile phone that requires a user to verify their identity with a passcode or other form of authentication in order to access the full functionality of the device: "there's a security lock on the phone and he doesn't know the code"
   • ▪ (in wrestling and martial arts) a hold that prevents an opponent from moving a limb.
   • ▪ a number of interlocked or jammed items: archaic "a street closed by a lock of carriages"
   • 2. a short confined section of a canal or other waterway in which the water level can be changed by the use of gates and sluices, used for raising and lowering vessels between two gates: "there was a lock every quarter of a mile"
   • 3. a person or thing that is certain to succeed; a certainty: informal North American "all of this makes him a lock to make the Hall of Fame"
   • 4. a mechanism for exploding the charge of a gun. historical

   verb

   • 1. fasten or secure (something) with a lock: "she closed and locked her desk" Similar boltfastenbarsecuremake securemake fastsealpadlocklatchchainOpposite unlockopen
   • ▪ (of a door, window, box, etc.) become or be able to be secured through activation of a lock: "the door will automatically lock behind you"
   • ▪ enclose or shut in by locking or fastening a door, lid, etc.: "he is treated like an unpaid servant and locked in his room"
   • 2. restrict access to the full functionality or data of (a computer, mobile phone, file, etc.), especially by requiring a user to verify their identity with a passcode or other form of authentication: "my computer is locked and I've forgotten my login info"
   • ▪ (of a mobile phone) operate only on the network of a particular carrier: "the phone is locked to T-mobile"
   • 3. make or become rigidly fixed or immovable: "he locked his hands behind her neck" Similar joininterlockmeshengagelinkuniteconnectcombineyokematecouplebecome stuckstickjambecome/make immovablebecome/make rigidOpposite separatedivide
   • 4. go through a lock on a canal: "we locked through at Moore Haven"

   Word Origin Old Englishloc, of Germanic origin; related to German Loch ‘hole’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. lockable adjective
   • 2. lockless adjective

   Scrabble Points: 10

   • L

     1

   • O

     1

   • C

     3

   • K

     5

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2. www.collinsdictionary.com › us › dictionaryLOCK definition in American English | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   Apr 17, 2024 · lock in American English. (lɑk) noun. 1. a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc. 2.

3. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishlock noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

   • Cached

   Definition of lock noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. lock. noun. /lɒk/ /lɑːk/ Idioms. for door, window, etc. [countable] a device that keeps a door, window, box, etc. shut, usually needing a key to open it. She turned the key in the lock. It's a good idea to have locks fitted on all your windows.

4. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › locklock | meaning of lock in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary ...

   www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › lock

   • Cached

   Old English locc. lock meaning, definition, what is lock: to fasten something, usually with a key,...: Learn more.

5. www.oed.com › dictionary › lock_v1lock, v.¹ meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...

   www.oed.com › dictionary › lock_v1

   • Cached

   Oct 13, 2023 · lock verb 1. Meaning & use. I. To fasten or secure with a lock, and related senses. I.i. Literal uses. I.i.1.a. c1325–. transitive. To fasten or secure (a door, gate, window, etc.) with a lock. In later use also: to close up and secure (a room, building, enclosure, etc.) by fastening the doors, windows, etc., in this way.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › essential-british-english › locklock | meaning in the Cambridge Essential English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › essential-british-english › lock

   • Cached

   noun. uk / lɒk/ B1. the thing that you use to close a door, window, etc. that needs a key to open it: I heard someone turn a key in the lock. safety locks. (Definition of lock from the Cambridge Essential Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Translations of lock. in Chinese (Traditional) 固定器, 鎖，門鎖, 水… See more. in Chinese (Simplified)

7. www.merriam-webstercollegiate.com › dictionary › lockLock | Definition of lock by Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webstercollegiate.com › dictionary › lock

   • Cached

   Definition of LOCK. 1. a: a fastening (as for a door) operated by a key or a combination b: the mechanism for exploding the charge or cartridge of a firearm. 2. a: an enclosure (as in a canal) with gates at each end used in raising or lowering boats as they pass from level to level b: air lock. 3.

8. en.m.wiktionary.org › wiki › locklock - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

   en.m.wiktionary.org › wiki › lock

   • Cached

   Apr 9, 2024 · lock (plural locks) Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination . ( computing, by extension) A mutex or other token restricting access to a resource . A segment of a canal or other waterway enclosed by gates, used for raising and lowering boats between levels. ( firearms) The firing mechanism.