locking

4 definitions • 6 examples

present participle of

to put an object in a safe place and fasten a lock that prevents someone from entering the place, moving the object, etc.:

lock something in something He locked the confidential documents in his filing cabinet.

lock something to something I locked my bike to the railings.

lock something up You really should lock your bike up or it'll get stolen.

to fasten something with a key, or be fastened with a key:

Don't forget to lock the door when you go out.

If you shut the door it will lock automatically.

to become fixed in one position:

I tried to start moving but the wheels had locked.