lock out
The term "lock out" encompasses various scenarios where access is restricted, including physical entry, labor disputes, and digital security.
Definition
B1Security
(general)To prevent someone from entering a place by locking the door.
Example
- She realized she had locked herself out of the house and had to call a locksmith.
- They locked out the intruders by securing all the entrances.
B2Labor
(industrial)A work stoppage where management prevents employees from entering the workplace during a dispute.
Example
- The company decided to lock out the workers until the new contract was signed.
- During the labor dispute, the factory gates were locked out to prevent entry.
B2Computing
(technical)To block access to a system or device, often for security or safety reasons.
Example
- The IT department locked out the account after detecting unusual activity.
- A safety mechanism locked out the machine to prevent accidental startup.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lock out":
lock downlock onshut outlock inlock upblock outlock intoblock offkeep outbarred outbox outshut awaytag outsafety lockblank outlocked upblack outclock outbox and locktime outstay outblock upstop outshut offclose outunder lock and keyjail lockshut inkick outblocked upforce outbutton lockliner lockwalk outtrap out