lock
/lɑk/
noun
- A device used to fasten a door, container, or other object, usually opened with a key or code.
- The lock on my suitcase broke, so I had to cut it open.
- Make sure you put a lock on your bike when you park it outside.
- She turned the key in the lock and opened the door.
- A section of a canal or river with gates at both ends, used to raise or lower boats to different water levels.
- The boat waited for the water to rise in the lock.
- They passed through a series of locks on their river journey.
- The old lock was built over a hundred years ago.
- A piece of hair that hangs together, especially a curl or strand.
- A lock of her hair fell across her face.
- The wind blew a lock of hair into her eyes.
- He kept a lock of his grandmother's hair in a small box.
- A hold in wrestling or martial arts where one person's arm or leg is held tightly.
- The wrestler escaped from the arm lock.
- She practiced a leg lock during training.
- He put his opponent in a head lock and held him down.
verb
- To fasten something with a lock so that it cannot be opened or moved.
- Please lock the door before you leave.
- He locked the gate to keep the dog in the yard.
- She locked her diary in a drawer.
- To become fixed or stuck in a position so that movement is impossible.
- The gears locked and the machine stopped working.
- Her knees locked with fear, and she couldn't move.
- The car's brakes locked, causing it to skid.
- To secure or guarantee something, such as a price, rate, or agreement.
- She locked her savings into a long-term investment.
- We locked the interest rate at 3% for five years.
- The company locked in a deal with a new supplier.
Antonyms