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Origin and Etymology of lock
Middle English lok, from Old English locc; akin to Old High German loc lock, Greek lygos withe, Latin luxus dislocated
lock
Definition of lock
1a : a fastening (as for a door) operated by a key or a combinationb : the mechanism for exploding the charge or cartridge of a firearm
2a : an enclosure (as in a canal) with gates at each end used in raising or lowering boats as they pass from level to levelb : air lock
3a : a locking or fastening togetherb : an intricate mass of objects impeding each other (as in a traffic jam)c : a hold in wrestling secured on one part of the body; broadly : a controlling hold his paper … had a lock on a large part of the state — John Corry
4 : one that is assured of success or favorable outcome
Origin and Etymology of lock
Middle English lok, from Old English loc; akin to Old High German loh enclosure and perhaps to Old English locc lock of hair
lock
Definition of lock
transitive verb
1a : to fasten the lock ofb : to make fast with or as if with a lock lock up the house
2a : to fasten in or out or to make secure or inaccessible by or as if by means of locks locked himself away from the curious worldb : to fix in a particular situation or method of operation a team firmly locked in last place
3a : to make fast, motionless, or inflexible especially by the interlacing or interlocking of parts lock wheels lock a kneeb : to hold in a close embracec : to grapple in combat; also : to bind closely administration and students were locked in conflict
4 : to invest (capital) without assurance of easy convertibility into money
5 : to move or permit to pass (something, such as a ship) by raising or lowering in a lock
intransitive verb
1a : to become lockedb : to be capable of being locked
3 : to go or pass by means of a lock (as in a canal)
lock horns
lock on
orlock onto
Examples of lock in a Sentence
They locked the door when they left and unlocked it when they returned.
She locked the bicycle to the railing with a chain.
He forgot to lock the car.
The car locks automatically when you start the engine.
The wheels locked and the car skidded off the road.
They were locked in each other's arms.
She locked her hands around the steering wheel.
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First Known Use of lock
14th century
LOCK Defined for English Language Learners
lock
Definition of lock for English Language Learners
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: to fasten (something) with a lock
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: to fasten the door, lid, etc., of (something) with a lock
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: to become fastened with a lock
LOCK Defined for Kids
Definition of lock for Students
: a small bunch of hair or of fiber (as cotton or wool)
Definition of lock for Students
1 : a fastening (as for a door) in which a bolt is operated (as by a key)
2 : the device for exploding the charge or cartridge of a firearm
3 : an enclosure (as in a canal) with gates at each end used in raising or lowering boats as they pass from level to level
Definition of lock for Students
locked
;locking
1 : to fasten with or as if with a lock
2 : to shut in or out by or as if by means of a lock
3 : to make unable to move by linking parts together The puzzle pieces were locked into place.
Learn More about lock
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See words that rhyme with lock Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lock Spanish Central: Translation of lock Nglish: Translation of lock for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lock for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lock
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