lock etymology

Etymology

The word "lock" comes from the Old English word "loc," meaning "a closed place, enclosure, or dwelling." It is related to the Old Norse word "loka," meaning "to close or shut," and the Proto-Germanic root "*luk-," meaning "to close."

Meaning

A lock is a mechanical device used to secure or fasten a door, gate, window, or other access point. It typically consists of a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access, and a key or combination that allows authorized access.

Origin

Locks have been used since ancient times to protect property and secure dwellings. The earliest known locks were found in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, dating back to around 4000 BCE. These locks were simple wooden or metal devices that used pins or levers to prevent a bolt from being withdrawn.

Over time, locks became more sophisticated, with the development of tumblers, springs, and combination mechanisms. Modern locks use a wide variety of technologies, including key cards, biometrics, and electronic components.

Examples of Usage

• The front door of the house was secured with a heavy padlock.
• The car keys were locked in the trunk, so I couldn't open it.
• The gate to the playground was locked, preventing children from entering after hours.
• The safe in the bank was equipped with a combination lock that only the branch manager knew.
• The computer was protected by a password lock, ensuring that unauthorized users couldn't access sensitive data.

lock relate terms

• reluctance

  Etymology Latin reluctari to resist to struggle against Meaning Unwillingnes

• air lock

  Etymology The term air lock has its roots in two primary sources Air Referring t

• lock

  Etymology The word lock comes from the Old English word loc meaning a closed place

• dreadlocks

  Etymology Dreadlocks is a term that originated in the 1950s within the Rastafari movem

• forelock

  Etymology Forelock is a combination of two Old English words Fore meaning front

• locket

  Etymology Middle English lokette loket Anglo Norman loket lokett lokette Latin loc

• slot

  Etymology The word slot originated from the Old Norse word slátr meaning a bar or

• combination

  Etymology The English word combination comes from the Latin word combinatio which is

• tumbler

  Etymology The word tumbler derives from Old French tombel Late Latin tumbellare ultim

• enclave

  Etymology Middle English enclaue from Old North French enclaver from Late Latin inc

• interlace

  Etymology Interlace is derived from the Latin word inter meaning between and lac

• squeeze

  Etymology The word squeeze comes from the Middle English word squisen which is in t

• fasten

  Etymology Middle English fastnen from Old English fæstnian to make firm or secure