a mechanism for keeping a door, lid, or container fastened, typically operated by a key.
▸a similar device used to prevent the operation of a vehicle or other machine.
a short section of a canal or river with gates and sluices at each end which can be opened or closed to change the water level, used for raising and lowering boats.
(also full lock)
the maximum extent that the front wheels of a vehicle can be turned.
(in wrestling and martial arts) a hold that prevents an opponent from moving a limb.
(also lock forward)
Rugby a player in the second row of a scrum.
(a lock)
N. Amer.informal a certainty.
archaic a mechanism for exploding the charge of a gun.
v.
fasten or be fastened with a lock.
▸enclose or secure by locking a door.
▸
(lock someone up/away)
imprison someone.
▸
(lock someone out)
exclude someone.
make or become rigidly fixed or immovable.
▸
(lock someone/thing in/into)
engage or entangle someone or something in (a struggle or competitive situation).
▸
(lock on to)
locate (a target) by radar or similar means and then track.
go through a lock on a canal.
Phrase
have a lock on N. Amer.informal have an unbreakable hold on.
lock horns engage in conflict.
lock, stock, and barrel including everything.
[referring to the complete mechanism of a firearm.]
Derivative
lockableadj.
locklessadj.
Etymology
OE loc, of Gmc origin.
lock2
n.
a piece of a person's hair that coils or hangs together.