Phrasal verb
lock out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
lock out
Past
locked out
Past participle
locked out
Definition
phrasal verb. to prevent someone from entering a place by locking the door. You use this when you forget your keys and cannot get back inside.
phrasal verb. To prevent access to a building, room, or system by securing a lock. The verb is transitive and frequently appears in reflexive constructions or in the context of labor disputes.
Examples
“He often locks himself out of his apartment.”
“If you lose your key card, the security system will lock you out of the office after three failed attempts.”
“During the bitter industrial dispute, the company chose to lock out its employees rather than negotiate with the union representatives.”
Examples
simple
“He often locks himself out of his apartment.”
contextual
“If you lose your key card, the security system will lock you out of the office after three failed attempts.”
complex
“During the bitter industrial dispute, the company chose to lock out its employees rather than negotiate with the union representatives.”
Usage
Usually takes an object and is often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Teaching tip
Explain the difference between the physical act of locking a door and the industrial action sense where an employer prevents workers from entering.
Pitfall
I locked out of my house.
I locked myself out of my house.
The verb requires a reflexive pronoun like 'myself' when you are the person unable to enter.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
lock + object + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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