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Antonyms for lock

Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : lok
Phonetic Transcription : lÉ’k

Definition of lock

Origin :
  • "means of fastening," Old English loc "bolt, fastening; barrier, enclosure," from Proto-Germanic *lukan (cf. Old Norse lok "fastening, lock," Gothic usluks "opening," Old High German loh "dungeon," German Loch "opening, hole," Dutch luik "shutter, trapdoor"). "The great diversity of meaning in the Teut. words seems to indicate two or more independent but formally identical substantival formations from the root."
  • The Old English sense "barrier, enclosure" led to the specific meaning "barrier on a river" (c.1300), and the more specific sense "gate and sluice system on a water channel used as a means of raising and lowering boats" (1570s). Wrestling sense is from c.1600. Phrase under lock and key attested from early 14c.
  • noun device that fastens and bars free passage
  • verb fasten, clasp
Example sentences :
  • You see, Uncle Paul, you are growing old and forgetful, and might lock me in again.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Andrew Lanning slipped to the door and turned the key in the lock.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • She glided to the door into the hall and turned the lock softly and came to him again.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • It was pushed to, but not locked, and had no fastening upon it except the lock, in which was the key.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • "Let me open it for you," he said, taking the key from her hand and inserting it in the lock.
  • Extract from : « The Foolish Lovers » by St. John G. Ervine
  • She heard him move about and the snapping of a lock in the parlour door.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • He took care to put his money under his head, and to lock his door.
  • Extract from : « Night and Morning, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • There was a lock as large almost as my finger, that looked as if it had been cut off.
  • Extract from : « Good Indian » by B. M. Bower
  • When I'm off the lock for good and all, you'll be the Father of the Marshalsea.'
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
  • By-and-by the noise of the key in the lock arrested them both.
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens

Synonyms for lock

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019