An Encylopedia Britannica Company

lock

1 lock /ˈlɑːk/ noun
plural locks
1 lock
/ˈlɑːk/
noun
plural locks
Britannica Dictionary definition of LOCK
[count] : a device that keeps something (such as a door, window, or box) from being opened and that is usually opened by using a key
see also combination lock, padlock
[count] : an area in a canal or river that has gates at each end which are opened and closed to control the level of the water in different sections of the canal or river as boats move through it
[count] : a method of holding someone so that the person being held cannot move see also headlock
US, informal
[singular] : complete control of something
[count] : someone or something that is certain to have or do something usually singular
[count] : something that is certain to happen usually singular
[count, noncount] British : the extent to which the front wheels of a vehicle can be turned

lock, stock, and barrel

: including everything : wholly or completely

under lock and key

: in a room, box, etc., that is locked
compare 3lock
2 lock /ˈlɑːk/ verb
locks; locked; locking
2 lock
/ˈlɑːk/
verb
locks; locked; locking
Britannica Dictionary definition of LOCK
[+ object] : to fasten (something) with a lock
[+ object] : to fasten the door, lid, etc., of (something) with a lock
often + up
[no object] : to become fastened with a lock
[no object] : to become fixed in one position
[+ object] : to hold (someone or something) in a fixed position
often used figuratively
[+ object] computers : to make (a file, database, etc.) impossible for others to open or change

lock away

[phrasal verb]
lock (something) away or lock away (something) : to put (something) in a locked container, place, etc.
lock (someone) away or lock away (someone) : to put (someone) in a locked place (such as a prison) for a long period of time
lock (yourself) away : to stay in a room or place by yourself for a long period of time

lock horns

: to disagree about how something should be done : to fight or argue

lock in

[phrasal verb]
lock (someone or something) in : to put or keep (someone or something) in a locked place, room, etc.
lock (something) in or lock in (something) : to do something that makes you sure to get (something that could change, such as a good price, an interest rate, etc.)

lock on/onto

[phrasal verb]
lock on/onto (something)
: to use electronic methods to find (a target)

lock out

[phrasal verb]
lock (someone) out or lock out (someone)
: to prevent (someone) from entering a place, car, etc., by locking it often + of
: to prevent (workers) from going to work in order to force an agreement
see also lockout

lock up

[phrasal verb]
: to lock all of the doors of a building before leaving it
lock (something) up or lock up (something)
: to put (something) in a locked container, room, etc. sometimes used figuratively
chiefly US : to make control or achievement of (something) certain
see also 2lock 1b (above)
lock (someone) up or lock up (someone) : to put (someone) in a locked place (such as a prison) for a long period of time see also lockup
3 lock /ˈlɑːk/ noun
plural locks
3 lock
/ˈlɑːk/
noun
plural locks
Britannica Dictionary definition of LOCK
[count] : a small bunch of hair see also forelock
locks [plural] literary + humorous : a person's hair
see also dreadlocks
compare 1lock