lock down
The phrase "lock down" has various meanings related to security, control, and stability in different contexts.
Definition
B2Security and Safety
(emergency)To secure a building or area by preventing entry or exit to protect people from a potential threat.
Example
- The school was on lock down due to a reported intruder.
- During the lock down, no one was allowed to leave their classrooms.
B2Public Health
(health)A period during which people are required to stay indoors to prevent the spread of disease.
Example
- The city was under lock down to control the outbreak.
- During the pandemic, many countries implemented lock downs.
B2Technology
(technical)To restrict access to a computer network or system to prevent unauthorized use.
Example
- The IT department decided to lock down the network after detecting unusual activity.
- Only authorized personnel can access the locked down system.
C1Relationships
(informal, slang)To secure a romantic partner in an exclusive relationship.
Example
- He finally managed to lock down his crush after months of dating.
- They decided to lock down their relationship and move in together.
C1Nautical
(boating)To travel through a series of locks on a waterway in a downhill direction.
Example
- The boat began to lock down through the canal.
- They locked down the river, passing through several locks.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lock down":
lock onlock inlock uplock intolock outlocked upjail lockunder lock and keysafety locklock and loadtriple lockbox and lockbatten downtie downbutton locklockup housefasten downclose downblock offblock uppin downshut downhold downliner lockshut awayshut innail downblocked up