lock: Meaning and Definition of

lock

1. a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
2. a contrivance for fastening or securing something.
3. (in a firearm)
1. the mechanism that explodes the charge; gunlock.
2. safety (def. 4).
4. any device or part for stopping temporarily the motion of a mechanism.
5. an enclosed chamber in a canal, dam, etc., with gates at each end, for raising or lowering vessels from one level to another by admitting or releasing water.
6. an air lock or decompression chamber.
7. complete and unchallenged control; an unbreakable hold: The congresswoman has a lock on the senatorial nomination.
8. someone or something certain of success; sure thing: He's a lock to win the championship.
9. any of various holds, esp. a hold secured on the arm, leg, or head: leg lock.
10. (in an escapement) the overlap between a tooth of an escape wheel and the surface of the pallet locking it.
11. a projection or recession in the mating face of a forging die.
12. completely; entirely; including every part, item, or facet, no matter how small or insignificant: We bought the whole business, lock, stock, and barrel.
13. securely locked up: The documents were under lock and key.

1. to fasten or secure (a door, window, building, etc.) by the operation of a lock or locks.
2. to shut in a place fastened by a lock or locks, as for security or restraint.
3. to make fast or immovable by or as if by a lock: He locked the steering wheel on his car.
4. to make fast or immovable, as by engaging parts: to lock the wheels of a wagon.
5. to join or unite firmly by interlinking or intertwining: to lock arms.
6. to hold fast in an embrace: She was locked in his arms.
7. to move (a ship) by means of a lock or locks, as in a canal (often fol. by through, in, out, down, or up).
8. to furnish with locks, as a canal.

1. to become locked: This door locks with a key.
2. to become fastened, fixed, or interlocked: gears that lock into place.
3. to go or pass by means of a lock or locks, as a vessel.
4. to construct locks in waterways.
5. to come into conflict; clash: to lock horns with a political opponent.
6. to lock in the nomination of the party's candidates.
1. to commit unalterably:to lock in the nomination of the party's candidates.
2. (of an investor) to be unable or unwilling to sell or shift securities.
7. to enclose (a waterway) with a lock.
8. to track or follow a target or object automatically by radar or other electronic means.
1. to keep out by or as if by a lock.
2. to subject (employees) to a lockout.
1. to imprison for a crime.
2. Print.to make (type) immovable in a chase by securing the quoins.
3. to fasten or secure with a lock or locks.
4. to lock the doors of a house, automobile, etc.
5. to fasten or fix firmly, as by engaging parts.

lock

1. a tress, curl, or ringlet of hair.
1. the hair of the head.
2. short wool of inferior quality, as that obtained in small clumps from the legs.
3. a small tuft or portion of wool, cotton, flax, etc.