lock up

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To imprison or incarcerate (someone).

   • In 1970, a new era of "getting tough" on young offenders really began to gather momentum with the incoming Conservative government. The number of juveniles locked up each year increased by 500% between 1965 and 1980.
2. 2

   To put (something) away in a locked location for safekeeping

   To put (something) away in a locked location for safekeeping; (occasionally, chiefly humorously) to sequester (a person) in a similar way.

   • Please lock up all valuables in the safe before leaving.
   • Angus is back in town! Better lock up your daughters, your wife, and your sheep!
3. 3

   To close (and often lock) all doors and windows (of a place) securely.

4. ›+ 11 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To lock (a door, window, etc.).

      • That door still needs to be locked up.
   2. 5

      To cease responding.

      • When I press this button, the program locks up.
   3. 6

      To cause (a program) to cease responding or to freeze.

      • If your password contains a particular string of letters, entering it can lock up the login form.
   4. 7

      To stop moving

      To stop moving; to seize.

   5. 8

      To lose one's forward momentum

      To lose one's forward momentum; to freeze.

   6. 9

      To (mistakenly) cause or have one of one's wheels to lock up (stop spinning).

   7. 10

      To invest in something long term.

   8. 11

      To travel through a flight of locks on a waterway in an uphill direction.

   9. 12

      To fasten quoins securely with a mallet and a shooting-stick.

   10. 13

       To assure success in or control of (something).

       • He locked up the championship with that move.
   11. 14

       To enter a state of mechanical alignment.

       • You will roll the second tape for about 15 seconds until the tape "locks up" with house sync.

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