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Locks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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locks

[lÉ’ks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

security

Devices for fastening doors or gates and controlling access to buildings or vehicles.

Synonyms

bolt, fastener, latch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
locks

Used as a general term to describe mechanisms that secure doors, windows, or other items to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Make sure all the locks are secure before leaving the house.
  • The hotel room has high-security locks.
fastener

A broad term that can refer to any device used to join or secure objects together, not limited to locking mechanisms.

  • Use a fastener to keep the two pieces of wood connected.
  • The fastener on the backpack is broken.
bolt

Refers to a type of fastener that typically involves sliding a metal bar into place to secure a door or window. Often used for added security.

  • Slide the bolt across the door to lock it.
  • Install a bolt on the garden gate for extra protection.
latch

A device for keeping a door, gate, or window closed, usually a simple mechanism that can be opened without a key. Often used for internal doors or gates.

  • The garden gate has a simple latch that you can open easily.
  • Make sure the latch is secure before letting the dog out.

Examples of usage

  • She installed new locks on all the doors of her house.
  • The lock on the safe was very secure.
Context #2 | Verb

security

To fasten with a lock.

Synonyms

bolt, fasten, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
locks

Use when referring to a mechanism that prevents access or movement, typically referring to doors, cabinets, or gates. Often used when describing security measures or privacy.

  • She locks the door every night before going to bed.
  • The office has security locks on all entrances.
bolt

Appropriate when describing a physical metal bar used to fasten doors or gates from being opened. Commonly used for heavily secured areas, and typically has a stronger, more industrial connotation.

  • Don't forget to slide the bolt across the gate before you leave.
  • The heavy steel doors are bolted shut.
secure

Used when ensuring that something is safe, protected, or fixed in place. This term has both physical and metaphorical applications, and often implies an added level of safety or control.

  • He made sure to secure his bike to the rack with a sturdy lock.
  • The document was secured in a locked drawer.
fasten

Best used for describing the action of making something secure or fixed in place. This is more general and can refer to various items, including clothing, seat belts, or bags.

  • Fasten your seat belt before the plane takes off.
  • She fastened her coat as the wind picked up.

Examples of usage

  • He locked the door before going to bed.
  • She locked her bike to the railing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The earliest known locks date back to ancient Egypt around 2000 BC, made from wood and used to secure doors.
  • The Roman Empire developed more advanced locks using metal and intricate designs, which were harder to pick.
  • In medieval Europe, large and complex locks were often ornate, showcasing craftsmanship and used on castles and treasure chests.

Technology

  • Modern locks have evolved into smart locks that can be accessed via smartphones and keyless entry systems.
  • Biometric locks use fingerprints or facial recognition to provide enhanced security, eliminating the need for a physical key.
  • The innovation in lock technology has also led to the development of electronic locks that utilize codes instead of traditional keys.

Cultural References

  • Locks are often used in literature and movies as symbols of secrecy or mystery, such as in the story of the Trojan Horse.
  • The phrase 'locked away' is commonly used to indicate keeping something hidden, whether it's information or emotions.
  • In many cultures, love padlocks are symbolically attached to bridges by couples, representing their unbreakable bond.

Psychology

  • Locks can evoke feelings of safety and security; a locked door makes people feel more comfortable in their own space.
  • The fear of being locked out is a common anxiety among individuals, reflecting an innate desire for security in daily life.
  • People often have a symbolic relationship with locks, viewing them as barriers to emotional vulnerability or personal privacy.

Art and Literature

  • Artists often use locks in their work to represent confinement, freedom, or the complexity of human relationships.
  • In poetry and storytelling, locks frequently symbolize obstacles that must be overcome for enlightenment or personal growth.
  • The motif of keys and locks in fairy tales, such as 'Beauty and the Beast,' highlights themes of discovery and unlocking potential.

Origin of 'locks'

The word 'locks' originated from Old English 'loc', meaning a fastening, enclosure, or barrier. Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to devices used for securing doors or gates. Locks have been an essential part of human security for centuries, with various designs and mechanisms developed to enhance protection against unauthorized access.

See also: interlock, lock, lockbox, lockdown, locker, locket, lockup.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,250 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.