lock
lock Lexical Profile
lock Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mechanical or electronic fastening device that is released by a physical object, by supplying secret information, or by a combination of both.
"She turned the heavy brass key in the lock and slowly pushed the wooden door open."
A piece, curl, or small section of hair that hangs together.
"A stray lock of dark hair fell across his forehead as he bent over the document."
A section of a canal or river that is closed off by gates, used to raise or lower boats between different water levels.
"The narrowboat slowly rose as water flooded into the lock from the upstream gates."
• verb
To fasten or secure something (such as a door, window, or container) with a mechanical or electronic locking device.
"Please remember to lock the front door and arm the security system before you leave."
To become firmly fixed, jammed, or incapable of moving.
"The gears on my older bicycle tend to lock if I try to shift them too rapidly on a steep hill."
To interlock, clasp, or entangle firmly together.
"The peaceful protesters locked arms to form an unbreakable human chain across the entrance."
• Rhymes for lock
Word Origin & Etymology
Modern English 'lock' merges two distinct Old English words: 'loc' (meaning a fastening, bolt, or enclosure) of Proto-Germanic origin, and 'locc' (meaning a tress or curl of hair), also from a separate Proto-Germanic root.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.