lock

noun (1)

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\ ˈläk

Definition of lock

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a tuft, tress, or ringlet of hair

b locks plural : the hair of the head

2 : a cohering bunch (as of wool, cotton, or flax) : tuft

3 locks plural : dreadlock sense 2

lock

noun (2)

Definition of lock (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : 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

2a : 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

3a : a locking or fastening together

b : 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

lock

verb

locked; locking; locks

Definition of lock (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to fasten the lock of

b : 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 world

b : 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 knee

b : to hold in a close embrace

c : 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 locked

b : to be capable of being locked

2 : interlace, interlock

3 : to go or pass by means of a lock (as in a canal)

lock horns

: to come into conflict

lock on or lock onto

: to acquire (something, such as a target or signal) automatically using a sensor (such as radar)

Other Words from lock More Example Sentences Phrases Containing lock Learn More About lock

Examples of lock in a Sentence

Verb 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. The file is locked for editing. See More