LOCK Meaning and
Definition
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Lock (noun): A device or mechanism designed to secure or fasten something firmly in place, typically by means of a key, combination, or electronic code.
Locks are commonly used to protect belongings, properties, and controlled access areas by preventing unauthorized entry or theft. They are typically made of metal and consist of a bolt or latch that interacts with a striking plate, engaging when fully inserted and disengaging when specific conditions are met.
There are various types of locks, including padlocks, deadbolts, knob locks, lever handle locks, and electronic locks. Each lock type operates differently but serves the purpose of securing doors, gates, containers, or other objects.
To operate a lock, one usually requires a corresponding key, card, code, or other access credentials. The key is inserted into the lock's keyway and turned, causing the bolt to extend or retract, allowing or denying access respectively. Combination locks use a series of numbers or symbols dialed in a specific order, while electronic locks rely on digital input such as a PIN or biometric identification.
Locks have been used for centuries, evolving in design and technology to enhance security and convenience. Locksmiths specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of locks. Additionally, locksmith professionals may have expertise in lock picking techniques and lock bypass methods for emergency or legal purposes.
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• A machine for fastening doors, &c., by means of a key; the part of a gun or rifle by which it is discharged; the part of a canal confined by gates; any narrow confined place or enclosure.
• To fasten with a lock; to shut up or confine; to close fast; to embrace closely; to become fast.
• A tuft of hair; a small bunch or tuft of wool; ringlets or straggling tufts of hair around the forehead.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LOCK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LOCK
Etymology of LOCK
The word "lock" originated from the Old English word "loc" or "locc", which is derived from Proto-Germanic "lukkan". This Proto-Germanic term then evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "leug", meaning to bend or twist. The concept behind the word "lock" relates to bending or twisting something, such as a bolt or key, to secure or fasten a door, container, or other object. Over time, the word "lock" retained its meaning and found adoption in various languages across the world.
Idioms with the word LOCK
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lock sth onto sm or sth
The idiom "lock something onto someone or something" means to fix or fasten something securely onto a person or object. It often implies attaching or connecting something firmly and making it difficult to detach or remove. In a figurative sense, it can also mean focusing or directing one's attention, thoughts, or actions towards a specific person or thing with determination or commitment.
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lock sm or sth up (smw)
The idiom "lock someone or something up (somewhere)" typically means to securely confine or secure someone or something within a specific location, usually by using locks or other means of restraint.
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lock on
The idiom "lock on" generally refers to the act of firmly securing or targeting something or someone, often with a specified goal or objective in mind. It is commonly used in various contexts, including:
1. In military or combat situations: When a weapon or tracking system is directed toward a specific target and firmly locks onto it, ensuring accuracy and focus.
2. In technology or electronics: When a device, such as a radar or GPS system, detects and establishes a stable connection with a signal or receiver, often for tracking or navigating purposes.
3. In sports: Describing how an athlete or player meticulously focuses their attention on a target or opponent, exhibiting intense concentration and determination.
Overall, the idiom "lock on" emphasizes the idea
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lock out
The idiom "lock out" refers to the act of preventing someone from entering a particular place or accessing something, typically done by locking a door or gate. It can also be used to describe a situation where an individual is denied access to a job or profession.
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lock up
The idiom "lock up" has a few possible definitions depending on the context:
1. To secure or fasten something with a lock: This refers to physically locking a door, gate, or any other item with a lock to keep it closed and prevent unauthorized access.
2. To imprison or detain someone: This indicates the act of putting someone in jail or holding them in custody, typically for legal reasons.
3. To secure or store something safely: This can refer to placing valuable items, documents, or belongings in a secure location, such as a safe or storage unit, to ensure their protection.
4. To freeze or become immobile: In a figurative sense, it means to become stuck or unable to move forward. This can
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lock onto
The idiom "lock onto" means to focus or fixate on something or someone, often with a strong sense of determination or concentration. It implies capturing or grasping something firmly, both mentally and sometimes physically.
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lock lips
The idiom "lock lips" refers to the act of passionately kissing or engaging in a deep and intense kiss, where two people press and hold their lips together. It is often used to describe a romantic or passionate moment between two individuals.
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lock sth in
The idiom "lock something in" generally means to ensure or confirm specific plans, arrangements, or commitments, making them final or secure. It can also imply making a decision or choice with no room for changes or reconsideration.
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(keep something/put something/be) under lock and key
The idiom "keep something/put something/be under lock and key" means to safeguard or secure something tightly by locking it up or putting it in a place where only authorized individuals have access to it. It implies that the item or information is valuable, sensitive, or considered private.
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lock (someone) up and throw away the key
The idiom "lock (someone) up and throw away the key" refers to the act of imprisoning someone for a long time, often without any hope of release or escape. It suggests that the person is permanently confined and will never be granted freedom or given a second chance.
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lock the barn door after the horse has bolted
The idiom "lock the barn door after the horse has bolted" means to take action or implement a preventive measure, but only after the damage or negative consequences have already occurred or taken place. It implies that the action being taken is too late or ineffective in preventing the outcome because the opportunity to prevent it has passed.
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lock horns (with somebody) (over something)
The idiom "lock horns (with somebody) (over something)" means to engage in a heated argument or conflict with someone, usually over a disagreement or difference of opinion. It implies a confrontational and stubborn clash between two parties who are unwilling to compromise. The expression "lock horns" derives its metaphorical meaning from the physical act of two animals, like deer or rams, colliding their horns during a fight for dominance or territorial disputes.
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lock on (to sm or sth)
The idiom "lock on (to someone or something)" refers to the act of focusing or concentrating on someone or something intensely and unwaveringly. It implies capturing or grasping the attention or interest completely.
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lock in sth
The idiom "lock in something" typically refers to the act of confirming, finalizing, or guaranteeing a particular decision, plan, or arrangement. It involves ensuring that a certain course of action cannot be changed or altered.
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lock in on sm or sth
The idiom "lock in on someone or something" refers to giving intense focus or complete attention to someone or something. It means being fully engrossed and not being easily distracted or sidetracked.
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lock (sm or an animal) (up) in (sth)
The idiom "lock (someone or an animal) (up) in (something)" refers to confining or securing someone or an animal within a certain place or space, usually for safety or containment purposes.
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under lock and key
The idiom "under lock and key" means to be securely locked or closely guarded in order to prevent something from being accessed, stolen, or lost. It implies a high level of security or protection.
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lock horns (with sb)
The idiom "lock horns (with someone)" means to become involved in a heated or confrontational disagreement or argument with someone. It refers to the imagery of two animals, such as deer or rams, engaging in a physical battle by interlocking their horns. Thus, "lock horns" suggests a situation where two people are stubbornly and aggressively opposing each other in a disagreement.
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lock, stock, and barrel
The idiom "lock, stock, and barrel" refers to the entirety or everything related to a particular thing or situation. It originated from the components of a firearm, with "lock" referring to the mechanism, "stock" being the wooden handle, and "barrel" representing the main tube. Thus, the idiom suggests the complete or total inclusion of all essential parts.
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lock sm or sth out of sth
The idiom "lock someone or something out of something" means to prevent someone or something from entering or accessing a particular place or situation by securing it with a lock or other means of restriction. It can also be used metaphorically to describe excluding someone or something from participating in or being a part of something.
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lock horns
The idiom "lock horns" refers to a situation where two individuals or groups engage in a conflict or argument, often in a confrontational or aggressive manner. It conveys the idea of a head-on confrontation or a clash of opposing views or interests, similar to the way two animals with horns might physically lock their horns while fighting.
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lock sm or sth away
The idiom "lock something or someone away" means to securely put or confine something or someone in a place with limited or controlled access, typically for the purpose of keeping them safe, secure, or hidden.
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lock horns (with sm)
The idiom "lock horns (with someone)" means to engage in a heated argument, dispute, or confrontation with someone, usually due to differing opinions or conflicting interests. It implies a clash or direct conflict between two parties.
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Turn your caps lock off!
The idiom "Turn your caps lock off!" is a phrase used to tell someone to stop typing or writing in all capital letters. It is commonly used in online communication, where typing in all caps is considered rude or implies shouting. This phrase is used figuratively to ask someone to lower their tone or to communicate in a more polite manner.
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lock lips (with someone)
The idiom "lock lips (with someone)" means to engage in a passionate kiss or to kiss someone passionately.
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pick a lock
The idiom "pick a lock" refers to the act of skillfully manipulating the components of a lock so as to unlock it without the use of a key. It can also be used metaphorically to mean finding a clever or resourceful solution to a problem or gaining access to something that is difficult to obtain.
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lock the stable door after the horse has bolted
The idiom "lock the stable door after the horse has bolted" is used to describe a situation where action is taken to prevent or resolve a problem, but that action is already too late or irrelevant because the damage has already been done or the opportunity has been missed. It implies that one is trying to address a situation that is already beyond help or rectification.
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have a lock on (someone or something)
The idiom "have a lock on (someone or something)" means to have complete control, dominance, or certainty over a person, situation, or thing. It implies having a firm grip or a strong advantage which makes it highly unlikely for others to challenge or compete successfully.
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in a lip lock
The idiom "in a lip lock" refers to two or more people engaging in an intense and passionate kiss, often with their lips tightly pressed together. It denotes a deep level of intimacy and affection between the individuals involved.
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lock away
The idiom "lock away" means to securely store or confine something or someone, typically in a safe or secure place, to prevent access or escape. It implies the act of putting something out of sight or reach, often for protection, secrecy, or containment.
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lock something onto someone or something
To "lock something onto someone or something" means to focus or fixate on someone or something with unwavering attention or determination. It implies a strong dedication or commitment towards a particular person or object.
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have a lock on
The idiom "have a lock on" means to have complete control or dominance over something. It implies having a strong, unchallenged grip or power over a particular situation, market, or competition.
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close, lock, etc. the stable door after the horse has bolted
The idiom "close, lock, etc. the stable door after the horse has bolted" means taking action to prevent a problem or disaster that has already occurred and cannot be undone. It refers to the futility of trying to fix a situation after the damage has already been done.
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shut/lock/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
To take action to prevent something bad from happening, but to do so after it has already occurred.
Similar spelling words for LOCK
- loos,
- block,
- clock,
- loco,
- loza,
- loge,
- loach,
- logy,
- louche,
- log,
- loso,
- mock,
- rock,
- loucks,
- Lois,
- flock,
- locks,
- lockjaw,
- lox,
- Louk,
- lick,
- Loyce,
- Lok,
- low-key,
- loux,
- loss,
- lose,
- logo,
- dock,
- locke,
- look,
- luck,
- lack,
- cock,
- sock,
- loki,
- lokey,
- loch.
Conjugate verb Lock
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have locked
you
would have locked
he/she/it
would have locked
we
would have locked
they
would have locked
I
would have lock
you
would have lock
he/she/it
would have lock
we
would have lock
they
would have lock
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been locking
you
would have been locking
he/she/it
would have been locking
we
would have been locking
they
would have been locking
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would lock
you
would lock
he/she/it
would lock
we
would lock
they
would lock
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be locking
you
would be locking
he/she/it
would be locking
we
would be locking
they
would be locking
FUTURE
I
will lock
you
will lock
he/she/it
will lock
we
will lock
they
will lock
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be locking
you
will be locking
he/she/it
will be locking
we
will be locking
they
will be locking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have locked
you
will have locked
he/she/it
will have locked
we
will have locked
they
will have locked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been locking
you
will have been locking
he/she/it
will have been locking
we
will have been locking
they
will have been locking
IMPERATIVE
you
lock
we
let´s lock
to lock
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was locking
you
were locking
he/she/it
was locking
we
were locking
they
were locking
PAST PARTICIPLE
locked
PAST PERFECT
I
had locked
you
had locked
he/she/it
had locked
we
had locked
they
had locked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been locking
you
had been locking
he/she/it
had been locking
we
had been locking
they
had been locking
PRESENT
I
lock
you
lock
he/she/it
locks
we
lock
they
lock
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am locking
you
are locking
he/she/it
is locking
we
are locking
they
are locking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
locking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have locked
you
have locked
he/she/it
has locked
we
have locked
they
have locked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been locking
you
have been locking
he/she/it
has been locking
we
have been locking
they
have been locking
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
lock
SIMPLE PAST
I
locked
you
locked
he/she/it
locked
we
locked
they
locked
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