locked

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Fastened with a lock so that it cannot be opened without a key or code.

   Grammar: Used after a verb like 'be', 'get', or 'keep': The door is locked. It is not used before a noun in this sense.

   Patterns

   • be locked
   • get locked
   • keep something locked

   The front door was locked, so we had to wait outside.

   Make sure the safe is locked before you leave.

   I can't get into my account because it's locked.

2. 2adjectivenot comparable

   Firmly fixed in one position and unable to move.

   Grammar: Often used after 'be' or 'become': The wheels are locked. It can also be used before a noun in fixed phrases like 'locked position'.

   Patterns

   • be locked in position
   • become locked
   • locked in a struggle

   The two cars were locked together after the crash.

   His eyes were locked on the screen.

   The players were locked in a tight race for first place.

3. 3verbtransitive or intransitive

   Past tense and past participle of 'lock'; fastened something with a key or code.

   Grammar: As a verb, it takes an object when you lock something: She locked the door. It can also be intransitive: The door locked automatically.

   Patterns

   • locked something
   • locked something up
   • locked the door

   She locked the door before going to bed.

   He locked his bike to the fence.

   The system locked automatically after three wrong passwords.

Common combinations

locked door

We stood outside the locked door, waiting for someone to let us in.

locked in a room

The cat was accidentally locked in the bedroom all day.

locked up

The prisoners were locked up for the night.

locked on target

The missile was locked on target.

Synonyms and how they differ

secured

Secured is more formal and can mean protected in other ways, not just with a lock.

bolted

Bolted means fastened with a bolt, a specific type of lock.

sealed

Sealed means closed tightly, often to keep air or water out, not necessarily with a lock.

Opposites

Word family

lock verb

To fasten something with a key or code.

lock noun

A device for fastening a door, lid, etc.

locker noun

A small cupboard that can be locked, often in a school or gym.

locksmith noun

A person who makes and repairs locks.

Commonly confused: locked or lock?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “locked”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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