Definition of lock - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
securetr. fasten something so it cannot be opened without a keytr.
- She will lock the door before leaving.
2.
movementintr. become rigid or immovableintr.
- The wheels lock when the brakes are applied.
3.
technologytr. TECH. restrict access to a digital resourcetr. TECH.
- The moderator will lock the thread.
4.
joiningintr. intertwine or fit together securelyintr.
- Their fingers lock as they walk.
5.
interactionintr. engage in a tight embrace or struggleintr.
- The wrestlers lock in a fierce grip..
6.
navigationtr. TECH. move a boat through a gated water chamber to change water leveltr. TECH.
- They will lock the boat through the canal.
Noun
1.
security devicemechanism for securing a door or container
- She turned the key in the lock to secure the house..
2.
waterwayTECH. section of a canal with gatesTECH.
- The boat passed through the lock smoothly.
3.
firearmsTECH. mechanism in a gun for firingTECH.
- The lock of the rifle was jammed.
4.
hairtuft or strand of hair
- She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
5.
sportsTECH. wrestling hold involving pressureTECH.
- He used a lock to pin his opponent.
6.
rugbyTECH. UK position in rugby behind the front rowTECH. UK
- He played as a lock in the rugby match.
Images of lock

mechanism for securing a door or container 
section of a canal with gates 
tuft or strand of hair
Expressions with lock
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
prevent someone or something from escaping or changing
The contract locks in the current terms for a year.
secure something in a fixed position
He used a clamp to lock the pipe into place.
prevent from entering by locking a door
The company decided to lock out the striking workers..
securely store something in a locked place
She decided to lock up her valuables in a safe.
device used to secure something
The treasure chest was secured with a lock and key.
make an arrangement definite or permanent
They locked down the deal with a handshake.
look directly into each other's eyes
They lock eyes across the room.
focus attention or aim on a target
The missile will lock on the enemy aircraft.
be very skilled or proficient at something
He has it on lock when it comes to coding.
get ready for an imminent task
The team was told to lock and load for the big presentation.
engage in a conflict or dispute
The two leaders often lock horns over policy issues.
kiss someone passionately
They locked lips under the moonlight.
remain shut in, not seeing anyone
After the scandal, he locked himself away for weeks.
with nothing left out; all parts included
They took the shop lock, stock, and barrel.
state of being unable to move from the couch
After smoking, he experienced couch lock and couldn't get up.
force open a lock using a tool
The thief tried to jimmy the lock to get inside.
device used to secure a bicycle from theft
I always use a bike lock when I park my bike.
safety feature restricting access to controls
The washing machine's child lock was activated.
lock opened by turning dials to a sequence
The combination lock on the safe was tricky to open.
lock twice to ensure it is secure
She double locked the car before leaving.
secure something in a safe place
She decided to lock away her valuables.
become fixed or held firmly in position
The lid will lock into place when you turn it.
bolt immovable from outside a door
The door's safety lock ensures no one can enter.
mechanism for fastening a window
She turned the window lock to keep the window closed.
Origin of lock
Old English, loc (fastening)
Terms with lock included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
lock
metal object used to open locks
lock code
set of numbers or letters used to open a lock
technology
key fob that uses electronic signals to lock or unlock a car
hardware
sliding bar in a lock or latch mechanism
lock attention
focus on a specific thought or detail
tools
tool used to tighten or loosen bolts with a click-lock action
building access
allow entrance by triggering an electronic lock
key
part of a key inserted into a lock
security
break open a lock or door
unlock
open a lock without a key
door lock
locking mechanism in doors, operated by a key or knob
door lock
hole in a door for inserting a key
technology
describing a lock or system opened without a physical metal key
locks security
change a lock so it works with a new key
hair
small tuft or lock of hair
wheel lock
device for securing a car wheel
locks
make a lock operable with a matching metal tool
lock
tool for unlocking without the original key
locksmithing
cylindrical object in a pin-tumbler lock
hair
long lock of hair
bitting
the part of a key that interacts with a lock
security
set of keys for lock or locks
door lock
lock opened from outside with key, inside without
lock mechanism
move a bolt to lock or unlock
Examples of lock in a sentence
Remember to lock your bike to prevent theft. Her knees locked with fear. The mechanism can lock in cold weather. You can lock the document to prevent edits. The admin will lock the account after multiple failed attempts. The puzzle pieces lock into place.
Turn the handle until the two sections lock together. They lock in a passionate embrace. The two rivals lock in a struggle for dominance. They had to lock the vessel before sunset. The crew expertly locked the ship through the narrow passage. The lock on the safe was very complex. He installed a new lock on the front door. The lock needed repairs after the storm. We waited for the lock to fill with water. He carefully examined the lock before firing. The antique gun's lock was beautifully crafted. A lock of his hair fell over his forehead. The stylist trimmed a lock from her bangs. The wrestler applied a lock to gain control. A lock can be a decisive move in a match. The lock was crucial in winning the line-out. As a lock, he was known for his strength.
View all translations of lock
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:verrouiller, serrure, ...
- German:abschließen, Schloss, ...
- Italian:serrare, lucchetto, ...
- Spanish:asegurar, cerradura, ...
- Portuguese:trancar, cadeado, ...
- Chinese:锁上, 锁, ...
- Japanese:施錠する, 錠, ...
- Arabic:قَفَلَ, قُفْل, ...
- Hebrew:לִנְעוֹל, מַנְעוּל, ...
- Russian:закрывать, замок, ...
- Ukrainian:замикати, замок, ...
- Hindi:ताला लगाना, ताला, ...
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