What are the definitions of “lock out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Close a workplace to stop workers entering.
The management LOCKED the staff OUT because they had turned down the pay offer.
- 2Lock a place to stop someone getting in.
I lost my key and LOCKED myself OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lock out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lock out is to prevent someone from entering a place by locking the door or gate. This can happen accidentally, such as when you lose your key, or intentionally, like when a company closes its doors to prevent workers from entering.
What are the different verb forms of “lock out”?
| Root Verb | lock out |
| Third Person Singular Present | locks out |
| Present Participle | locking out |
| Simple Past | locked out |
| Past Participle | locked out |
Example
I accidentally locked myself out of my apartment.
Example
She locks out the cat when it's time for bed.
Example
He is locking out the employees during the strike.
Example
Yesterday, they locked out the workers due to a disagreement.
Example
The door was locked out and nobody could enter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lock out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lock out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The company locked out the workers during the strike.
Example
She locked herself out of the house.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lock out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The company locked out the workers during the strike.
Example
She locked herself out of the house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lock out”?
Lockout/tagout
A safety procedure used in industrial settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again before maintenance work is completed.
Example
The technician followed the lockout/tagout procedure before repairing the machine.
Good things to know
Does “lock out” have an informal or formal tone?
Lock out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in legal documents or workplace safety procedures.
