lock
A2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A mechanical device for securing a door, lid, etc., typically operated by a key or combination.
Any fastening mechanism; to secure or make fast; a section of a canal with gates for raising or lowering boats; a wrestling hold; a mechanism for firing a gun; a tuft of hair; to become fixed or jammed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions primarily as a noun for the device and a verb for the action of securing. Extends metaphorically to concepts of security, immobility, and certainty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derivatives (e.g., 'lockable' vs. 'lockable' is consistent). In canal contexts, 'lock' is identical. Potentially more frequent use of 'padlock' as a specific noun in AmE.
Connotations
Largely identical core connotations of security and restriction.
Frequency
High and nearly identical frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
lock + OBJECT (lock the door)lock + OBJECT + ADVERBIAL (lock it away)lock + OBJECT + ADJECTIVE (lock it secure)get/get + OBJECT + locked (get locked in/out)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lock, stock and barrel”
- “lock horns”
- “lock someone out”
- “under lock and key”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to securing competitive advantages or contracts ('lock in a deal'), or data security.
Academic
Used in computing ('thread lock'), physics ('phase lock'), and engineering.
Everyday
Securing homes, vehicles, and personal items.
Technical
In computing (mutex locks), firearms (firearm lock), or hydraulics (canal lock).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Don't forget to lock up before you go to bed.
- The mechanism locked automatically.
- They managed to lock in a favourable interest rate.
American English
- Make sure you lock the car door.
- The steering wheel locked suddenly.
- The team locked down the championship with that win.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Lock is not used as a standard adverb).
American English
- N/A (Lock is not used as a standard adverb).
adjective
British English
- The lock mechanism is jammed.
- It's a biometric lock system.
- She has a lockable jewellery box.
American English
- The file is lock-protected.
- Check the lock status on your screen.
- He bought a lockable tool cabinet.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I lost the key to my lock.
- Please lock the door.
- My bike has a strong lock.
- She turned the key in the lock and entered.
- We need to lock up the office for the night.
- The suitcase has a combination lock.
- The negotiations are attempting to lock in the terms before the deadline.
- His gaze locked with hers across the crowded room.
- They installed a deadlock for extra security.
- The new algorithm uses a locking protocol to prevent data races.
- The treaty effectively locked the nations into a mutual defence pact.
- A single lock of grey hair fell across his forehead.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large LOCl<small>(k)</small> on a door – it LOCates security.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A LOCKED CONTAINER; CERTAINTY IS A LOCK; IMMOBILITY IS BEING LOCKED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'замОк' (castle). 'Lock' is 'зАмок'.
- Do not use 'lock' for software license keys; use 'licence key' or 'activation code'.
- 'Lock of hair' translates to 'прядка волос', not a direct cognate.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect phrasal verb: 'lock the door *with key*' (redundant) vs. 'lock the door'.
- Confusing 'lock in' (secure) with 'lock into' (commit rigidly).
- Using 'lock' as a noun for a software license key.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'lock, stock and barrel' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'lock' typically requires a key or combination to open, providing security. A 'latch' is a simple fastening (like a door catch) that can often be opened without a key, providing closure but less security.
Yes. For example: 'The door locks automatically.' or 'The wheels locked, causing a skid.' It means to become fastened or fixed without an external object being acted upon.
It is a section of a canal with gates at each end, used for raising or lowering boats from one water level to another by filling or emptying the enclosed chamber.
Not typically. You 'switch off' or 'turn off' a light. For a computer, you 'lock' the screen (secure it with a password) but you 'shut down' or 'turn off' the computer itself.