lock
Looking for the meaning of lock? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.
(by extension) A mutex or other token restricting access to a resource.
A segment of a canal or other waterway enclosed by gates, used for raising and lowering boats between levels.
The firing mechanism.
Complete control over a situation.
Something sure to be a success.
A player in the scrum behind the front row, usually the tallest members of the team.
A fastening together or interlacing; a closing of one thing upon another; a state of being fixed or immovable.
A place from which egress is prevented, as by a lock.
A device for keeping a wheel from turning.
A grapple in wrestling.
To become fastened in place.
“If you put the brakes on too hard, the wheels will lock.”
To fasten with a lock.
“Remember to lock the door when you leave.”
To be capable of becoming fastened in place.
“This door locks with a key.”
To intertwine or dovetail.
“We locked arms and stepped out into the night.”
(break dancing) To freeze one's body or a part thereof in place.
“a pop and lock routine”
To furnish (a canal) with locks.
To raise or lower (a boat) in a lock.
To seize (e.g. the sword arm of an antagonist) by turning the left arm around it, to disarm him.
To modify (a thread) so that users cannot make new posts in it.
(WMF jargon) To prevent a page from being edited by other users.
“Frequently vandalized pages are generally locked to prevent further damage.”
Understanding "lock"
The word **"lock"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/lɒk/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"lock"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "lock" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "lock" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "lock" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /lɒk/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "lock" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "lock" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "lock" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "lock". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/lɒk/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "lock" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use lock in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "lock" can be used in academic and casual conversations.