english
1
general::
noun
fastening:
There was a lock on the door.
verb
secure:
Lock the suitcase before leaving it.
Simple Definitions
2
general::
In addition to the idioms beginning with LOCK, Also see UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
American Heritage Idioms
3
general::
lock sb in
[ M ]
to prevent someone from leaving a room or building by locking the door
• [ R ]: She stormed off to her bedroom and locked her self in.
• He was locked in his bedroom as a punishment., lock sth away
[ M ]
to put something in a safe place and lock the door in order that someone else cannot get it
• If you keep valuables in your house, lock them away somewhere safe., lock sb out
[ M ] STOP WORKING
2. usually disapproving to prevent workers from entering their place of work until they agree to particular conditions given by the employer
• Management has threatened to lock out the workforce if they do not accept the proposed changes in working methods., lock ( sth ) up
[ M ]
to lock all the doors and windows of a building when you leave it
• Sandra, will you lock up tonight when you go?, lock sb up
[ M ]
to put someone in a prison or a hospital for people who are mentally ill
• Murderers should be locked up for life.
• After what she did, they should lock her up and throw away the key (= lock her up until she dies)., lock sb out
[ M ] STOP ENTERING
1. to prevent someone from entering a building or room by locking the door
• He had to break into the house because his girlfriend had locked him out.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs
4
general::
noun fastening device ADJ. Chubb, combination, lever, mortise, Yale | door, window VERB + LOCK fit We had new locks fitted after the burglary. | break, force, pick | turn He turned the lock and pushed the door open. PHRASES insert/turn the key in the lock, (keep sb/sth) under lock and key Prisoners are kept under lock and key 24 hours a day. small bunch of hair ADJ. stray She flicked a stray lock of hair off her face. | flowing She had long flowing locks and blue eyes., verb close with a lock ADV. carefully He carefully locked the door behind him. VERB + LOCK forget to PHRASES be firmly/securely locked, keep sth locked Keep your garage securely locked. put sb/sth inside sth that is locked ADV. away, in, up I was terrified they would lock me up again. PREP. in I locked myself in the bathroom. PHRASES be safely/securely locked All the valuables were safely locked away.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary