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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.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › lockLock Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › lock

   • Cached

   The meaning of LOCK is a tuft, tress, or ringlet of hair. How to use lock in a sentence.

3. www.dictionary.com › browse › lockLOCK Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › lock

   • Cached

   Lock definition: 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.. See examples of LOCK used in a sentence.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryLOCK | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   a device that prevents something such as a door from being opened and can only be opened with a key: in the lock I heard someone turn a key in the lock. safety locks. Thieves got in by smashing the lock off the door. See also. padlock noun.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishLOCK | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   LOCK definition: 1. a device that prevents something such as a door from being opened and can only be opened with a…. Learn more.

6. www.thefreedictionary.com › lockLock - definition of lock by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › lock

   • Cached

   1. a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc. 2. any contrivance for fastening or securing something. 3. (in a firearm) the mechanism that explodes the charge; gunlock.

7. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › lockLock - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › lock

   A lock is a tool that keeps a room, house, drawer, or box securely closed. You generally need a key, password, or combination to open a lock. You might use a padlock on your gym locker, opening it with a tiny key or a secret series of numbers.

8. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishLOCK definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   The lock on something such as a door or a drawer is the device which is used to keep it shut and prevent other people from opening it. Locks are opened with a key.

9. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishlock verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

   • Cached

   to get involved in an argument with somebody. The company has locked horns with the unions over proposed pay cuts. Definition of lock verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

10. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishLOCK | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

    dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

    • Cached

    LOCK definition: 1. to fasten something with a key, or to be fastened with a key: 2. to put something or someone in…. Learn more.

11. www.dictionary.com › browse › locks'LOCK Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

    www.dictionary.com › browse › locks'

    • Cached

    complete and unchallenged control; an unbreakable hold: The congresswoman has a lock on the senatorial nomination. Slang . someone or something certain of success; sure thing: He's a lock to win the championship.