lock on

The phrase "lock on" is used in various contexts, including technology, military operations, and protest tactics, each with a distinct meaning.

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Definition

C1Military

(technical)To acquire and maintain a target using a weapon or tracking system.

Example

  • The missile locked on to the enemy aircraft.

B2Protest

(informal)To attach oneself to an object or structure as a form of protest, making it difficult to be removed.

Example

  • The activists locked on to the gate to prevent access.

B2General

(informal)To focus attention or interest firmly on something or someone.

Example

  • She locked on to the idea and wouldn't let it go.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lock on":

lock inlock intolock downlock uplock outjail lockbutton locksafety lockunder lock and keylocked upliner locklock and loadbox and locktriple locklock pickframe locklock pickinghold downkey logclock onkey onlog on