lock

A device on a door or container that keeps it closed until the right key or code is used.

• The door has a strong lock.
• I turned the key in the lock.
• Have you changed the locks?

Common phrases: door lock, broken lock, lock and key, combination lock

A part of a canal with gates where water rises or falls to move boats between different levels.

• The boat entered the lock.
• Water rose inside the lock chamber.
• We passed through three locks before reaching the river.

Common phrases: canal lock, through the lock

A small bunch or length of hair or wool.

• A lock of hair covered her eye.
• He saved a lock of his mother's hair.
• Golden locks fell around the child's face.

How to use it: lock of something (She kept a lock of her baby's hair.)

Similar words: strand, tress

Common phrases: lock of hair, golden lock, dark lock

To secure a door or other object with a key or code so it cannot be opened.

• Please lock the door.
• She locked her bicycle to the fence.
• Did you lock the car?

How to use it: lock something to something (He locked his bicycle to a railing.)

Similar words: secure

Opposites: unlock

Common phrases: lock the door, lock a car, lock something up

To become fixed in one position and stop moving.

• The wheels locked on the wet road.
• The mechanism locks when you press this button.
• Both chair legs locked into position.

How to use it: lock into position (The legs lock into position when you unfold the table.)

Similar words: jam, seize

Common phrases: wheels lock, lock in place

To be able to be secured with a key, code, or similar device.

• This drawer locks with a key.
• Does the bathroom door lock?
• The new windows lock from inside.

How to use it: lock with something (The cupboard locks with a small key.); lock from inside/outside (The door locks from the inside.)

Common phrases: lock with something, lock from inside