lock-in
[ lok-in ]
/ ˈlɒkˌɪn /
noun
an act or instance of becoming unalterable, unmovable, or rigid.
commitment, binding, or restriction.
Origin of lock-in
First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase
lock in
Words nearby lock-in
Definition for lock in (2 of 2)
Origin of lock
1
before 900; Middle English; Old English
loc fastening, bar; cognate with Middle Low German
lok, Old High German
loh, Old Norse
lok a cover, lid, Gothic
-luk in
usluk opening; akin to Old English
lūcan to shut
OTHER WORDS FROM lock
lock·less, adjective self-lock·ing, adjective well-locked, adjectiveBritish Dictionary definitions for lock in (1 of 3)
lock-in
noun
an illegal session of selling alcohol in a bar after the time when it should, by law, be closed
British Dictionary definitions for lock in (2 of 3)
lock
1
/ (lɒk) /
noun
verb
Derived forms of lock
lockable, adjectiveWord Origin for lock
Old English
loc; related to Old Norse
lok
British Dictionary definitions for lock in (3 of 3)
lock
2
/ (lɒk) /
noun
a strand, curl, or cluster of hair
a tuft or wisp of wool, cotton, etc
(plural) mainly literary
hair, esp when curly or fine
Word Origin for lock
Old English
loc; related to Old Frisian
lok, Old Norse
lokkr lock of wool
Idioms and Phrases with lock in (1 of 2)
lock in
Enclose, surround, as in The ship was completely locked in ice. [c. 1400s]
Also, lock into. Fix firmly in position, commit to something. This phrase often occurs as be locked in or into, as in She felt she was locked in a binding agreement, or Many of the stockholders are locked into their present positions. [Mid-1900s]
Idioms and Phrases with lock in (2 of 2)
lock