[transitive, intransitive]lock (something)to fasten something with a lock; to be fastened with a lock
Did you lock the door?
David locked the car and slipped the key into his pocket.
The gates are locked at 6 o'clock.
a locked cabinet
This suitcase doesn't lock.
oppositeunlock(1)
Extra Examples
Keep your garage securely locked.
The door locks automatically.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
carefully
automatically
electronically
…
verb + lock
forget to
phrases
be firmly locked
be securely locked
keep something locked
…
See full entry
keep safe
[transitive]lock something + adv./prep.to put something in a safe place and lock it
She locked her passport and money in the safe.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
away
in
preposition
in
phrases
be safely locked
be securely locked
See full entry
become fixed
[intransitive, transitive]lock (something) (in/into/around, etc. something)|lock (something) (together)to become or make something become fixed in one position and unable to move
The brakes locked and the car skidded.
He locked his helmet into position with a click.
Topics Transport by car or lorryb2
in difficult situation
[transitive]
be locked in/into something
to be involved in a difficult situation, an argument, etc.
The two sides are locked into a bitter dispute.
She felt locked in a loveless marriage.
Topics Opinion and argumentc2
be held tightly
[transitive]
be locked together/in something
to be held very tightly by somebody
They were locked in a passionate embrace.
computing
[transitive]lock something(computing)to use a code or password to prevent data on a phone or computer from being changed or looked at by somebody without permission
These files are locked to protect confidentiality.
My phone is locked and I've forgotten the password.
Make sure you lock your screen if you leave your desk.
Word Originverb Old English loc, of Germanic origin; related to German Loch ‘hole’.
Idioms
lock horns (with somebody) (over something)
to get involved in an argument with somebody
The company has locked horns with the unions over proposed pay cuts.
Topics Opinion and argumentc2
lock
noun
/lɒk/
/lɑːk/
Idioms
jump to other results
for door, window, etc.
[countable]a device that keeps a door, window, box, etc. shut, usually needing a key to open it
She turned the key in the lock.
It's a good idea to have locks fitted on all your windows.
see alsocombination lock,mortise lock,Yale lock™
Extra Examples
Most cars are now fitted with child safety locks on the back doors.
She ran around the house, checking all the locks.
The hotels replaced their mortise locks on guest rooms with magnetic card readers.
They changed the locks on the doors and windows.
Topics Houses and homesa2,Buildingsa2
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
combination
cylinder
deadbolt
…
verb + lock
fit
break
force
…
phrases
insert the key in the lock
turn the key in the lock
under lock and key
…
See full entry
for vehicle/equipment
[countable]a device that prevents a vehicle, machine or piece of equipment from being used
a bicycle lock
a steering lock
safety locks for handguns
see alsoD-lock,time lock
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
combination
cylinder
deadbolt
…
verb + lock
fit
break
force
…
phrases
insert the key in the lock
turn the key in the lock
under lock and key
…
See full entry
on computer/phone
[countable]a feature on a computer or mobile phone that prevents somebody from accessing it without a code
There's a security lock on the phone.
being fixed in position
[uncountable]a state in which the parts of a machine, etc. do not move
[uncountable, singular](British English)(on a car, etc.)the amount that the front wheels can be turned in one direction or the other in order to turn the vehicle
I had the steering wheel on full lock(= I had turned it as far as it would turn).
see alsoanti-lock
on canal or river
[countable]a section of canal or river with a gate at either end, in which the water level can be changed so that boats can move from one level of the canal or river to another
Culture canalscanalsBritain's canals(= man-made channels of water for boats to travel along) were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, at the start of the Industrial Revolution. They provided a cheap and convenient means of transport for heavy goods, especially between the mining and industrial centres of the Midlands and north-west England. Coal, grain, clay and other materials were transported on narrowboats, also called barges, that were pulled along by horses walking along a towpath next to the canal. Many miles of channel had to be dug, with some sections passing through tunnels or over aqueducts(= long, high bridges across valleys). Hundreds of locks were built to enable boats to go up or down a hill. A flight(= series) of 20 or 30 locks was needed on some steep sections.In the US canals were used for a short period to transport goods to areas where there were no large rivers. The most famous, the Erie Canal in New York State, ran from Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River and connected New York with Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Mules, not horses, were used to pull the barges. The growth of the railway in the 1840s soon took business away from the canals, but the canal system played an important role in expanding trade and encouraging people to move west.After the railways were built, many canals were filled in. In Britain especially, canals that still exist have become popular with people wanting a quiet country holiday away from traffic. Old narrowboats have been fitted with motors and converted to provide attractive holiday accommodation. Speed is limited on canals so the pace is slow and relaxing. Some locks are operated by lock-keepers, but many are worked(= opened and closed) by people on the boats. Going through a flight of locks is seen as part of the fun. At night, people moor their boats at the side of the canal. Canals are also popular with people fishing and walking on the towpath. Many pubs are built next to canals and attract people enjoying a canal holiday or having a day out.In Britain, some people live in narrowboats and stay most of the time on a particular stretch of canal. These houseboats are often painted in bright colours, with pictures of flowers on the side. On the flat roof there are sometimes traditional pots painted with similar designs.
hair
[countable]a few hairs that hang or lie together on your head
John brushed a lock of hair from his eyes.
She kept a lock of her mother’s hair.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
stray
flowing
blonde
…
See full entry
locks
[plural](literary)a person’s hair
She shook her long, flowing locks.
Topics Appearancec2
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
stray
flowing
blonde
…
See full entry
in rugby
[countable]a player in the second row of the scrumTopics Sports: ball and racket sportsc2
total control
[singular]a lock (on something)(North American English)total control of something
One company had a virtual lock on all orange juice sales in the state.
see alsoarmlock,headlock
Word Originnoun senses 1 to 5 and noun senses 8 to 9 Old English loc, of Germanic origin; related to German Loch ‘hole’. noun senses 6 to 7 Old English locc, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lok, German Locke, possibly also to the verb lock.
Idioms
lock, stock and barrel
including everything
He sold the business lock, stock and barrel.
pick a lock
to open a lock without a key, using something such as a piece of wire
The burglars must have picked the lock on the back door.
(keep something/put something/be) under lock and key
locked up safely somewhere; in prison
We keep our valuables under lock and key.
I will not rest until the murderer is under lock and key.
Prisoners are kept under lock and key 24 hours a day.