lock

play

noun \ˈläk\

Definition of lock

1a : a tuft, tress, or ringlet of hairb locks plural : the hair of the head
2 : a cohering bunch (as of wool, cotton, or flax) : tuft
3 locks plural : dreadlock 2

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

lock

noun

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, punch, tang

lock

verb

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

lockable

play \ˈlä-kə-bəl\ adjective

lock horns

: to come into conflict

lock on

lock onto

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

See lock defined for English-language learners

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.
The file is locked for editing.

14th Century

First Known Use of lock

14th century

LOCK Defined for English Language Learners

lock

verb

Definition of lock for English Language Learners

: to fasten (something) with a lock
: to fasten the door, lid, etc., of (something) with a lock
: to become fastened with a lock

LOCK Defined for Kids

lock

play

noun \ˈläk\

Definition of lock for Students

: a small bunch of hair or of fiber (as cotton or wool)

lock

play

noun

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

lock

play

verb

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.