Collins English-English Dictionary

lock [lɑk]

1. 1. n a device fitted to a gate, door, drawer, lid, etc, to keep it firmly closed and often to prevent access by unauthorized persons

2. 2. n [rugby] lock forward either of two players who make up the second line of the scrum and apply weight to the forwards in the front line

3. 3. n a similar device attached to a machine, vehicle, etc, to prevent use by unauthorized persons

   a steering lock

4. 4. n a section of a canal or river that may be closed off by gates to control the water level and the raising and lowering of vessels that pass through it

5. 5. n (as modifier)

   a lock gate

6. 6. n the jamming, fastening, or locking together of parts

7. 7. n [Brit] the extent to which a vehicle's front wheels will turn to the right or left

   this car has a good lock

8. 8. n a mechanism that detonates the charge of a gun

9. 9. n [US and Canadian] [informal] a person or thing that is certain to win or to succeed

   she is a lock for the Academy Award

10. 10. n any wrestling hold in which a wrestler seizes a part of his opponent's body and twists it or otherwise exerts pressure upon it

11. 11. n a gas bubble in a hydraulic system or a liquid bubble in a pneumatic system that stops or interferes with the fluid flow in a pipe, capillary, etc

    an air lock

12. 12. vb to fasten (a door, gate, etc) or (of a door, etc) to become fastened with a lock, bolt, etc, so as to prevent entry or exit

13. 13. vt. [tr] to secure (a building) by locking all doors, windows, etc

14. 14. vt. to fix or become fixed together securely or inextricably

15. 15. vt. to become or cause to become rigid or immovable

    the front wheels of the car locked

16. 16. vt. [when tr, often passive] to clasp or entangle (someone or each other) in a struggle or embrace

17. 17. vt. [tr] to furnish (a canal) with locks

18. 18. vt. [tr] to move (a vessel) through a system of locks

19. 19. vt. See also lock on to lock out lock up

20. 20. vt. [Etymology] Old English loc; related to Old Norse lok

lock [lɑk]

1. 1. n a strand, curl, or cluster of hair

2. 2. n a tuft or wisp of wool, cotton, etc

3. 3. n [plural] [chiefly literary] hair, esp when curly or fine

4. 4. n [Etymology] Old English loc; related to Old Frisian lok, Old Norse lokkr lock of wool