lock

I

[[t]lɒk[/t]]

n.

1) bui a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc

2) bui any contrivance for fastening or securing something

3) (in a firearm)

the mechanism that explodes the charge; gunlock

4) civ 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

5) hyd an air lock or decompression chamber

6) cvb complete and unchallenged control; an unbreakable hold:

to have a lock on the senatorial nomination[/ex]

7) sts Slang. someone or something certain of success; sure thing

8) spo any of various wrestling holds, esp. a hold secured on the arm, leg, or head

9) to fasten or secure (a door, window, building, etc.) by the operation of a lock or locks

10) to shut in by or as if by means of a lock, as for security or restraint

11) to make fast or immovable by or as if by a lock:

to lock the steering wheel on a car[/ex]

12) to join or unite firmly by interlinking or intertwining:

to lock arms[/ex]

13) to hold fast in an embrace

14) civ to move (a ship) by means of a lock or locks, as in a canal

15) civ to furnish with locks, as a canal

16) to become locked:

This door locks with a key[/ex]

17) bui to become fastened, fixed, or interlocked:

gears that lock into place[/ex]

18) to go or pass by means of a lock or locks, as a vessel

19) phv lock in

a) to commit to unalterably

b) bus (of an investor) to be unable or unwilling to sell or shift securities

20) cvb elo phv lock on, to track an object automatically by electronic means

21) phv lock out

a) to keep out by or as if by a lock

b) to subject (employees) to a lockout

22) phv lock up

a) to imprison for a crime

b) pri to make (type) immovable in a chase by securing the quoins

c) to fasten or secure with a lock or locks

d) to lock the doors of a house, automobile, etc

e) to fasten or fix firmly, as by engaging parts

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- lock horns lock, stock, and barrel

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE loc fastening, bar, c. OS lok, OHG loh hole, ON lok lid, end, Go -luk in usluk opening lock′a•ble, adj. II

lock

[[t]lɒk[/t]] n.

1) a tress, curl, or ringlet of hair

2) locks

a) the hair of the head

b) short wool of inferior quality

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME locke, OE locc, c. OSlok, OHGloc, ON lokkr