Pronunciation: /lɑk/
noun a device operated by a key, combination, or keycard and used to secure a door, gate, or container
A1 I always make sure to lock the door before leaving the house.
A2 She couldn't find her keys to unlock the padlock on the gate.
B1 The lock on the safe was difficult to open without the combination.
B2 He had to call a locksmith to change the lock on his front door.
C1 The intricate design of the antique lock caught the attention of the museum curator.
C2 The lock mechanism was so advanced that it required a specialized key to unlock it.
verb to fasten or secure with a lock
A1 She locks the door before going to bed.
A2 He locked his bike to the railing outside the store.
B1 Make sure to lock your computer when you step away from your desk.
B2 The security guard locked the gate to the restricted area.
C1 The company decided to lock in the current exchange rate for the next six months.
C2 The government issued a lockdown order to lock down the city due to the spread of the virus.
adjective relating to something that is securely fastened or closed with a lock
A1 The lock door kept the house safe.
A2 She always carries a lock suitcase when traveling.
B1 The lock mechanism on the safe was difficult to crack.
B2 The lock feature on the phone provides extra security.
C1 The lock function on the computer encrypts sensitive data.
C2 The lock system on the vault is virtually impenetrable.
preposition used in phrases like 'lock in' or 'lock up' to indicate securing or confining something
A1 I lock the door before going to bed.
A2 She always locks her bike when she parks it.
B1 Please remember to lock the gate after you leave.
B2 The manager locked the office to prevent unauthorized access.
C1 The security guard locked the building for the night.
C2 The museum curator locked the valuable artifacts in a secure vault.
formal Please remember to lock the door before leaving the office.
informal Hey, don't forget to lock up when you're done.
slang Make sure you lock that bad boy tight!
figurative She felt like her heart was under lock and key, guarded from any potential hurt.
locked
locks
more locked
most locked
lock
will lock
have locked
is locking
lock
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to lock
locking
locking