noun
plural locks
[count] :a device that keeps something (such as a door, window, or box) from being opened and that is usually opened by using a key
[count] :an area in a canal or river that has gates at each end which are opened and closed to control the level of the water in different sections of the canal or river as boats move through it
[count] :a method of holding someone so that the person being held cannot move
US informal
[singular] :complete control of something
[count] :someone or something that is certain to have or do something - usually singular
[count] :something that is certain to happen - usually singular
[count, noncount] Brit :the extent to which the front wheels of a vehicle can be turned
lock, stock, and barrel
including everything :wholly or completely
under lock and key
in a room, box, etc., that is locked
verb
locks; locked; locking
[+ obj] :to fasten (something) with a lock
[+ obj] :to fasten the door, lid, etc., of (something) with a lock
[no obj] :to become fastened with a lock
[no obj] :to become fixed in one position
[+ obj] :to hold (someone or something) in a fixed position
[+ obj] computers :to make (a file, database, etc.) impossible for others to open or change
lock away
[phrasal verb]
lock (something) away or lock away (something) :to put (something) in a locked container, place, etc.
lock (someone) away or lock away (someone) :to put (someone) in a locked place (such as a prison) for a long period of time
lock (yourself) away :to stay in a room or place by yourself for a long period of time
lock horns
to disagree about how something should be done :to fight or argue
lock in
[phrasal verb]
lock (someone or something) in :to put or keep (someone or something) in a locked place, room, etc.
lock (something) in or lock in (something) :to do something that makes you sure to get (something that could change, such as a good price, an interest rate, etc.)
lock on/onto
[phrasal verb]
lock on/onto (something) :to use electronic methods to find (a target)
lock out
[phrasal verb]
lock (someone) out or lock out (someone)
to prevent (someone) from entering a place, car, etc., by locking it
to prevent (workers) from going to work in order to force an agreement
lock up
[phrasal verb]
to lock all of the doors of a building before leaving it
lock (something) up or lock up (something)
to put (something) in a locked container, room, etc.
b chiefly US :to make control or achievement of (something) certain
lock (someone) up or lock up (someone) :to put (someone) in a locked place (such as a prison) for a long period of time
noun
plural locks
[count] :a small bunch of hair
locks [plural] literary + humorous :a person's hair