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

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, adjective

British 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, adjective

Word 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

1

Enclose, surround, as in The ship was completely locked in ice. [c. 1400s]

2

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