Lock Meaning
Lock Definition & Usage
A mechanical device used to secure doors, gates, or other objects, typically requiring a key or code to open.
Examples
- "I couldn't get into the house because I forgot the lock combination."
- "The locksmith installed a new lock on the front door to improve security."
- "He turned the key, and the lock clicked open with a satisfying sound."
- "The safe was protected by a complex lock system that only the manager could open."
- "The lock on my bike was so rusty it was almost impossible to open."
To fasten or secure something with a lock, preventing it from being opened or moved.
Examples
- "She locked the door before going to bed."
- "Make sure you lock the car when you leave it unattended."
- "I forgot to lock the office, and now my desk is a mess."
- "He locked away the diary in a safe place, fearing someone might read it."
- "Before leaving the building, we always lock all windows to prevent break-ins."
A mechanism or system that engages or secures two parts together, often referring to the engagement of gears or pieces that fit together.
Examples
- "The lock between the two gears ensures they stay synchronized during operation."
- "The watch's inner lock prevents the back from coming off accidentally."
- "The lock of the puzzle pieces is so tight that it's hard to separate them."
- "The automatic door uses a digital lock to ensure it only opens for authorized users."
- "His bicycle chain had a quick-lock mechanism that was very convenient."
Cultural Context
Locks have been in use since ancient times, initially as simple bolts to secure doors. Over the centuries, they have evolved with advancements in materials and engineering, leading to more complex and secure systems. Today, locks are integral in securing both physical and digital spaces.
The Locked Door
Story
The Locked Door
As the cold wind howled through the narrow alley, Maya stood in front of the old wooden door, her fingers trembling around the key. It had been years since she'd set foot in this abandoned house, but something had drawn her back. The lock on the door was rusted, the intricate patterns of its design barely visible beneath layers of grime. She turned the key, but it stuck halfway, as though unwilling to let her in. After a few more attempts, the lock finally clicked open, revealing the dimly lit hallway beyond. Maya stepped inside cautiously, memories rushing back to her in waves. The place had once been a lively family home, but now it was silent, its rooms filled with dust and shadows. She walked through the hall, her hand brushing against the cold walls. The lock on each room's door seemed to have a life of its own, each one resisting her touch like a secret kept hidden for far too long. At the end of the hall was a door she had never dared to open before. It was different from the others – sturdier, with a larger lock that looked almost modern compared to the rest. This one had been a mystery since childhood, the key lost long ago. Maya wondered if this was the time to finally uncover what lay behind it. She grabbed a nearby chair and stood on it to examine the lock closely. It was a high-tech digital system, one she hadn’t seen before. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to try her luck. She entered the code she'd remembered from a letter her father had left behind. There was a soft beep, followed by the satisfying sound of the lock disengaging. The door creaked open, and Maya stepped through, her heart pounding. The room beyond was just as she’d imagined – old books, maps, and a dusty chest in the corner. But it was the letter on the table that caught her eye. It was sealed with a lock, an old-fashioned wax seal that had somehow survived the years. Maya sat down and began to read. She realized that the lock on the door hadn’t just been a physical barrier; it had been a symbol of something much deeper. As she deciphered her father’s final message, she understood that unlocking the secrets of the past had been the key to understanding her future. And in that moment, Maya knew that the true lock wasn’t on the door, but in her own heart, where the past had been hidden away for so long.
