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 locklocked and loadedunder lock and keylocked upliner locklock and loadbox and locktriple locklock pickframe locklock pickinghold downkey logclock onkey onlog on