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lock1

 
 
pronunciation:
lak
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
lock up
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a mechanical device for preventing entry through a door or window or into a safe, usu. opened with a key or combination.
Fearful, they put another lock on their door.He closed the trunk and attached a heavy lock.The thief picked the lock of the safe.
 
similar words:
bolt, catch, clasp, latch, padlock, safety
definition 2: part of a waterway that is closed off with gates that allow water levels to be changed in order for ships to pass through.
similar words:
floodgate, penstock, sluice, water gate
definition 3: a wrestling hold.
synonyms:
half nelson, nelson
similar words:
clench, clutch, grapple, grip, hold
definition 4: (informal) a secure grip on or grasp of something.
He has a lock on the tennis championship.
synonyms:
clinch
similar words:
clutch, grasp, grip, hold
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part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: locks, locking, locked
definition 1: to make secure by means of a lock.
We locked all of the doors when we left.
synonyms:
bolt, fasten, padlock
antonyms:
unlock
similar words:
bar, clamp, latch, seal, secure
definition 2: to confine or imprison (usu. fol. by "up or "in").
The sheriff locked up the prisoner.In the story, the wicked stepmother locked Cinderella in her room.
synonyms:
confine, imprison, incarcerate, jail, shut up
similar words:
cage, coop, enclose, immure, impound, pen, seal, secure
definition 3: to hold together by linking or intertwining.
We locked arms as the police came.
synonyms:
connect, join, link
similar words:
entwine, interlock, twine, twist
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to become locked or fastened.
The door locked as it closed.
synonyms:
fasten
antonyms:
unlock
similar words:
catch
definition 2: to become shut together.
His jaws locked.
synonyms:
bond, shut
similar words:
catch, clinch, grip
definition 3: to become immovable, as the gears in a machine.
The gears locked and the machine shut down.
synonyms:
freeze, jam, stick
similar words:
catch, fail, malfunction, seize up
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phrase: lock up
derivation: lockable (adj.)
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  car, tool