locking Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of locking something up to protect it
   lockup.
   
2. verb fasten with a lock
   lock.
   
   • lock the bike to the fence
3. verb keep engaged
   lock; engage; mesh; operate.
   
   • engaged the gears
4. verb become rigid or immoveable
   lock.
   
   • The therapist noticed that the patient's knees tended to lock in this exercise
5. verb hold in a locking position
   lock; interlace; interlock.
   
   • He locked his hands around her neck
6. verb become engaged or intermeshed with one another
   lock; interlock.
   
   • They were locked in embrace
7. verb hold fast (in a certain state)
   lock.
   
   • He was locked in a laughing fit
8. verb place in a place where something cannot be removed or someone cannot escape
   lock up; shut up; lock; lock in; put away; shut away; lock away.
   
   • The parents locked her daughter up for the weekend
   • She locked her jewels in the safe
9. verb pass by means through a lock in a waterway
   lock.
   
10. verb build locks in order to facilitate the navigation of vessels
    lock.
    

WordNet