Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

lock in

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.51 in modern English

Syllables: lock- in
IPA

12

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: To secure (someone or something) in a locked enclosure.

Transitive verb

verb

To fix the value of (something potentially variable).

Transitive verb

verb

To prevent (someone or something) from escaping, deteriorating, or switching to an alternative.

Colloquial; Transitive verb

verb

To synchronize (especially a rhythm section) into a groove.

Transitive verb

verb

To focus entirely (on something).

Colloquial; Intransitive verb; Transitive verb

noun

Nonstandard spelling of lock-in.

Example Sentences

"The dog won't escape now we've locked him in."
"The dog won't escape now we've locked him in the kitchen."
"I've locked in a rate of 5%."
"I've got a 5% rate locked in."
"Our new foil packets keep the flavour of the crisps locked in."
"Companies find various ways to try to lock in a customer base by preventing the products or services from being fully fungible."

Usage

Inflected Forms

locks in (present, singular) locking in (participle, present) locked in (participle, past) locked in (past) lock ins (plural)

Phrases

generational lock-in lock-in locked-in syndrome

Frequently Paired Words

locked-in syndrome lock on home in

Synonyms

lock away lock put away shut up shut away lock up seal in

Antonyms

lock out

Questions

What does lock in mean?: Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: To secure (someone or something) in a locked enclosure.

How to pronounce lock in

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “lock in”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “lock in”.
Repeat and practice — Say “lock in” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.