time lock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “time lock” mean?
A device on a safe or vault that prevents it from being opened until a preset amount of time has passed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device on a safe or vault that prevents it from being opened until a preset amount of time has passed.
Any system, often automated, that prevents access, operation, or release of something until a specific future time or event has occurred. Can be physical (a bank vault) or metaphorical (a contractual restriction).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling remains the same. The concept is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. Associated with security, finance, and legal restrictions.
Frequency
Similar frequency in relevant contexts (banking, security, crypto). Possibly slightly more frequent in American media due to prevalence of heist films.
Grammar
How to Use “time lock” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has a [time lock].They [VERB: set/engaged] the [time lock].The funds are subject to a [time lock].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time lock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trustees agreed to time-lock the inheritance funds for five years.
- The new regulations will effectively time-lock patient data for a decade.
American English
- The smart contract will time-lock the cryptocurrency automatically.
- They decided to time-lock the safe deposit box after the attempted robbery.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The time-lock mechanism is incredibly sophisticated.
- We offer time-lock safe deposit services.
American English
- It's a time-lock feature on the vault door.
- He was fascinated by time-lock technology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to contractual clauses that prevent the sale of assets for a set period (e.g., 'Shares are under a time lock until Q3').
Academic
In discussions of blockchain technology and smart contracts that enforce vesting schedules.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing home safes or film plots.
Technical
Precise term in security engineering, cryptography, and fintech for mechanisms that enforce a mandatory waiting period.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time lock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time lock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time lock”
- Using as a verb without a hyphen ('to time lock' should be 'to time-lock').
- Confusing with 'time capsule' (which is buried, not locked for scheduled opening).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is standardly written as two words: 'time lock'. As a verb or adjective, it is often hyphenated: 'to time-lock', 'a time-lock mechanism'.
Yes, it is frequently used metaphorically in legal, financial, and technological contexts (e.g., 'a time lock on stock options', 'a cryptographic time lock').
A timer simply measures time. A time lock is a specific application of a timer designed to prevent access or action until the timer expires; it is a security or control device.
No, it is a specialised term. Most people will encounter it in specific contexts like crime dramas, banking, or discussions about cryptocurrency.
A device on a safe or vault that prevents it from being opened until a preset amount of time has passed.
Time lock is usually technical / formal in register.
Time lock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct idioms, but used in expressions like 'the money is in a time lock'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock (TIME) physically attached to a padLOCK. The clock must finish ticking before the lock can be opened.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A BARRIER / TIME IS A GUARDIAN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'time lock' LEAST likely be used?