Lock

To fasten or secure with a lock, A device operated by a key or combination to secure a door, gate, or container, To restrict access to something or prevent changes, To become fixed in place or unable to move

Lock - Meanings

To fasten or secure with a lock

Example: She locked the door before going to bed.

Usage: formalContext: security measures at home or in public places

Note: Commonly used in everyday situations to indicate securing something with a key or code.

A device operated by a key or combination to secure a door, gate, or container

Example: The locksmith installed a new lock on the front door.

Usage: formalContext: discussing home security or locksmith services

Note: Refers to the physical mechanism used to secure doors, gates, or containers.

To restrict access to something or prevent changes

Example: The file is locked and cannot be edited by anyone.

Usage: formalContext: computer systems, software, or permissions settings

Note: Commonly used in technology-related contexts to indicate restricted access or permissions.

To become fixed in place or unable to move

Example: Her knees locked in fear when she saw the spider.

Usage: informalContext: describing physical or emotional reactions

Note: Used to describe a sudden or involuntary inability to move or act.

Lock's synonyms

bolt

To fasten with a bolt; a fastening pin or screw.

Example: She bolted the door before going to bed.

Note: Bolt specifically refers to a type of fastening mechanism, often used for securing doors or gates.

secure

To make something safe or free from danger.

Example: Please secure the windows before leaving the house.

Note: Secure implies making something safe or protected, which can include locking it but also involves other methods of ensuring safety.

latch

A device for keeping a door or gate closed.

Example: She latched the gate to keep the dog from running away.

Note: A latch is a specific type of fastening device that can be used to keep a door or gate closed, similar to a lock but without a key mechanism.

seal

To close tightly or securely.

Example: The envelope was sealed shut.

Note: Seal generally refers to closing something tightly or securely, which can involve using a lock but is not limited to that.

Lock expressions, common phrases

Lock and key

Refers to something that is securely fastened or protected.

Example: She kept the important documents in a safe with a lock and key.

Note: The phrase emphasizes the idea of using a key to secure something, unlike just a 'lock' which is a standalone device.

Under lock and key

Describes something that is securely locked away and closely guarded.

Example: The valuable jewelry was kept under lock and key in a vault.

Note: Similar to 'lock and key' but emphasizes the added security and protection of having something closely guarded.

Lock horns

Means to engage in a heated argument or conflict.

Example: The two politicians locked horns over the controversial policy.

Note: The phrase uses 'lock' metaphorically to describe a clash or confrontation, rather than a physical locking mechanism.

Lock eyes with

Refers to making eye contact and maintaining it for a moment.

Example: He locked eyes with her across the room, and they both smiled.

Note: The phrase uses 'lock' to imply a strong connection or engagement through eye contact.

Lock, stock, and barrel

Refers to the entirety of something, including all its components or parts.

Example: He bought the business, lock, stock, and barrel, meaning he acquired everything associated with it.

Note: This phrase uses 'lock' to emphasize completeness and inclusiveness, similar to 'all-inclusive'.

Lock in

Means to finalize or secure an agreement or decision.

Example: We need to lock in the deal before the end of the day.

Note: The phrase 'lock in' implies a sense of permanence or finality, akin to 'sealing the deal'.

Lock up

Means to securely fasten or lock doors and windows to secure a building.

Example: Make sure to lock up the house before you leave.

Note: The phrase 'lock up' focuses on securing a location by locking it, ensuring safety or preventing unauthorized entry.

Lock everyday (slang) expressions

Locked and loaded

Ready and prepared for action or a particular event.

Example: We're all locked and loaded for the big presentation tomorrow.

Note: The original word 'lock' refers to securing something, while 'locked and loaded' refers to being fully prepared or ready for a task or event.

Lockdown

A situation where people are confined to a restricted area or prevented from moving freely.

Example: Due to the pandemic, the city is facing a lockdown.

Note: While 'lock' refers to securing something, 'lockdown' specifically refers to a state of restricted movement or activity imposed usually for security or health reasons.

Locked in

Being committed to or having an obligation to attend or participate in something.

Example: I'm locked in for the meeting at 3 o'clock.

Note: Although 'lock' implies to secure or fasten, 'locked in' refers to being firmly scheduled or obligated to participate in an event.

Lock lips

To engage in a passionate kiss.

Example: The couple decided to lock lips in the romantic movie scene.

Note: While 'lock' usually means to secure or fasten, 'lock lips' refers specifically to kissing, emphasizing the closeness of the act.

Lock and load

Prepare or arm oneself for a situation that may require action.

Example: Before starting the game, make sure to lock and load your weapons.

Note: Similar to 'locked and loaded,' this slang term emphasizes readiness and preparation, often in a more militaristic context.

Locked up

To be confined or imprisoned, usually by authorities.

Example: The suspect was locked up in jail for questioning.

Note: While 'lock' denotes securing something, 'locked up' refers specifically to being confined in a controlled environment.

Lock eyes on

To direct one's gaze or attention intently at something.

Example: She locked eyes on the painting and couldn't look away.

Note: While 'lock' implies securing, 'lock eyes on' emphasizes the focused attention or gaze on something captivating.

Lock - Examples

The door is locked.

She put a lock on her diary.

He forgot his keys and couldn't unlock the door.

Lock grammar

Lock - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: lock

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): locks, lock

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): lock

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): locked

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): locking

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): locks

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): lock

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): lock

Syllabification and Stress

lock Contains 1 syllables: lock

Phonetic transcription: ˈläk

lock , ˈläk (The red syllable is stressed)

Lock - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

lock: ~ 2300 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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