Locked
ˈlɒkt
Definitions
3 meaningsTo fasten something with a lock; to secure something so that it cannot be opened without a key or combination.
ˈlɒkt
To fasten or secure something with a lock.
She locked the suitcase before her trip.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're protecting your toys or secrets! When you *locked* something, like your diary or the front door, you made it so only certain people could open it. You used a key or a special code so no one else can get in.
👶 For kids: When you lock something, you close it with a key so no one can open it without the key!
More Examples
The police locked the suspect in a cell.
He locked his bike to the railing.
How It's Used
"He locked the door before leaving."
"The bank locked the vault for the night."
Fastened or secured with a lock; not able to be opened or accessed.
ˈlɒkt
Fastened or secured with a lock.
The door remained locked all day.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite toy is in a locked box. It's *locked*, meaning you can't get to it without a key or knowing the special code. The box is closed, safe, and secure!
👶 For kids: If something is locked, you can't open it because it needs a key or code.
More Examples
The locked safe contained the valuable documents.
They found the gate was locked, and they couldn't get in.
How It's Used
"The door was locked."
"The locked gate prevented entry."
Unable to move or be changed; fixed; set.
ˈlɒkt
Unable to move or be changed.
His gaze was locked on the approaching storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine your eyes are *locked* on something interesting, like a movie screen. Your attention is glued there and you can't easily switch your focus away. Or imagine a setting on a machine is locked -- that means nobody can change it!
👶 For kids: Sometimes 'locked' means you can't move something. Like, if your eyes are locked on something, you can't look away!
More Examples
The program has locked up, and I can't do anything.
The investigation has locked onto a single suspect.
How It's Used
"His gaze was locked on the horizon."
"The control panel's settings were locked to prevent accidental changes."
Synonyms
Bar
Bolt
Latch
Barred
Bolted
Closed
Fastened
Fixed
Focused
Idioms & expressions
locked in
To commit to a decision or agreement; to be unable to change a course of action.
"The company is locked in to a long-term contract with the supplier."
lock horns
To engage in a conflict or dispute; to argue or fight.
"The two teams are likely to lock horns over the budget."
lock down
To secure a place to prevent people from entering or leaving during an emergency.
"The school went into lockdown during the threat."
From Middle English lokken, past participle of lokken ('to lock'), from Old English *loccian ('to lock, fasten'), from Proto-Germanic *lukjaną ('to close, shut').
The word 'locked' has a long history, appearing in various forms in Old English texts, reflecting its fundamental role in securing property and controlling access.