# locked

/ˈɫɑkt/ (US) · /lˈɒkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/locked
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. secured with a key

adjective · CEFR A2

fastened with a lock so that it cannot be opened without a key or code.

For teachers: secured by a mechanical or electronic locking mechanism to prevent unauthorised entry or opening.

- She tried the handle, but the front door was locked tight.
- The investigators found the safe locked, suggesting that the thief had either been interrupted or possessed the necessary combination.

### 2. fixed or unchangeable

adjective · CEFR B1

fixed in one position or unable to be changed.

For teachers: firmly fixed in a specific position or state; often used for prices, gears, or physical joints.

- The two companies agreed on a locked price for the next three years.
- With the wheels locked in a sideways skid, the driver had little hope of regaining control before the vehicle reached the soft verge.

### 3. computing/digital access

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

protected so that only one person or program can use it at a time.

For teachers: restricted by a mutex, token, or password to prevent simultaneous access or modification of data.

- I cannot edit the spreadsheet because the file is currently locked by another user.
- The database record remains locked until the transaction is either committed or rolled back, ensuring data integrity across the network.

### 4. very drunk

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

extremely drunk from drinking too much alcohol.

For teachers: a state of extreme intoxication.

- He had way too many pints and ended up completely locked.
- After the wedding reception, half the guests were absolutely locked and had to be poured into taxis.

Teaching tip: This sense is primarily used in Irish English; learners should use 'drunk' or 'intoxicated' in formal or international contexts.

## Examples

- The door is locked so you cannot go inside.
- I cannot save the changes to this spreadsheet because the file is currently locked by another user.
- The system administrator confirmed that the account was locked after three failed login attempts to prevent a potential brute-force attack on the server.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.