lockdown

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈlɑˌkdaʊn/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A strict protocol or set of restrictions imposed to confine people to a specific area, often to prevent the spread of disease or to ensure safety during an emergency.; A security measure in which people are confined to a building or room, typically in response to a threat such as an active shooter or other danger.; A state of being confined or restricted, especially in a prison context where inmates are kept in their cells for an extended period.; A period of severe restriction on movement, economic activity, or social interaction imposed by authorities.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: lockdowns

Collocations

under lockdowngo into lockdownimpose a lockdownlockdown measureslockdown restrictionsnational lockdownstrict lockdown

Derivatives

lock downlocked-down

Synonyms

confinementrestrictionquarantineshutdowncurfew

Antonyms

reopeningopening

Commonly confused

lock down
EN: 'Lock down' (two words) is the phrasal verb meaning to secure or restrict; 'lockdown' (one word) is the noun or adjective form.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that 'lockdown' (one word) is a noun/adjective, while 'lock down' (two words) is the verb. Writing 'lockdown' as a verb (e.g., 'they lockdown the city') is a common error.

💬 Examples

  1. The city entered a two-week lockdown after a surge in coronavirus cases.

  2. The school initiated a lockdown when a suspicious individual was spotted near the playground.

  3. After the riot, the prison was placed on lockdown for three days.

  4. Many small businesses struggled to survive during the prolonged lockdown.