lock
Third Person
locks
Present Participle
locking
Past Tense
locked
Past Participle
locked
1
to secure something with a lock or seal
transitive
- Before leaving, he had to lock the front door to ensure the security of the house.
- The cyclist always makes sure to lock the bike to the rack before leaving.
- The manager instructed the staff to lock the office doors after working hours.
- She locks the front door every night before going to bed.
- They locked the windows during the storm last night.
Antonyms:
2
to secure or confine something or someone within a defined space by fastening a door, lid, gate, or similar mechanism
transitive
- The prisoner was locked in a small cell for 24 hours a day.
- She locked her diary in a drawer to keep her thoughts private.
- The museum curator carefully locked the valuable artifacts in a glass display case.
- The shepherd locked the sheep in the pen overnight to protect them from predators.
- They locked him in his room and refused to let him see his friends.
3
(of a door, window, etc.) to become or be capable of being secured with a lock
- The door locked automatically when it closed, providing an added layer of security.
- The window was left slightly open, as it couldn't lock properly due to a faulty mechanism.
- He struggled to get the key to turn in the lock, but eventually, it locked with a satisfying click.
- The window was jammed, and it wouldn't lock properly, leaving a potential entry point for intruders.
Antonyms:
4
to become firmly secured or immovable in position
- The bicycle chain got tangled, and the pedals locked, making it impossible to continue riding.
- The gears of the machine locked, causing it to come to a sudden halt.
- When the brakes were applied too hard, the wheels of the car locked, causing it to skid.
- The car's brakes suddenly locked, causing it to skid and spin out of control.
Antonyms:
5
to join or fit together in a way that creates a secure and interconnected relationship
- The Lego blocks locked with a satisfying click, forming a solid construction.
- The teeth of the zipper locked, keeping the jacket fully fastened.
- The construction panels locked together, creating a strong and sturdy structure.
- As the puzzle pieces were placed together, they locked seamlessly, forming a complete picture.
- The gears of the machinery locked perfectly, allowing for smooth and efficient operation.
Synonyms:
6
to secure or immobilize something, making it unmovable or rigid by interlacing or interlocking its parts
transitive
- The mechanic locked the wheels of the car in place before working underneath it.
- The wrestler used a powerful hold to lock his opponent's arm, rendering him immobile.
- After assembling the furniture, he locked the joints together tightly to prevent wobbling.
- The blacksmith locked the pieces of the iron gate together, ensuring its stability and security.
- The jeweler secured the gemstones in the setting, locking them in place to prevent loss.