lock out

USAGE SUMMARY

Both 'lock out' and 'lock-out' are correct and usable in written English.
The term 'lock out' refers to a situation in which an employer denies workers access to their workplace and can be used in various contexts. For example, "The union representatives called for a lock out in response to the company's refusal to meet their demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Gelb again threatened to lock out the unions.

The New Yorker

Hey, can we lock out all the sports at once?

The New York Times

Without a new deal, the N.B.A. will probably lock out its players.

The New York Times - Sports

The N.F.L. could also decide not to lock out its players.

The New York Times - Sports

UFC has been known to "lock out" fighters over contractual disputes.

The Economist

If the league and the N.F.L. Players Association cannot agree, owners could lock out the players.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Saying that, the close-season lock-out plainly did not help in that regard.

Independent

The owners are threatening a lock-out as early as July 1st.But that is July.

The Economist

Spain began the lock-out in Melilla, a territorial relic from colonial times.

Independent

The opposition declared the reform package a "watered-down version" of its own lock-out plan.

The Guardian

Mr. Spano has proposed that the machines have a lock-out device preventing their unattended operation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lock out" in the context of labor disputes, be specific about whether it is a preemptive measure or a response to a strike.

Common error

Avoid using "lock out" when a simpler term like "exclude" or "prevent" would suffice. "Lock out" implies a physical or system-based barrier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lock out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the action of preventing someone or something from entering a place or accessing a system. As evidenced by Ludwig, this includes both physical and digital contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lock out" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb primarily used to describe the act of preventing entry or access. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts, including news, technology, and labor disputes. While generally neutral, its use should be tailored to the specific context to avoid ambiguity, ensuring more precise communication. When considering alternative phrases, options like "exclude" or "deny access" may be more suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deny access

Highlights the refusal of permission to use or access something.

shut out

Implies a more forceful and complete exclusion than "lock out".

block access

Highlights the obstruction of a pathway or resource.

exclude

Focuses on preventing entry or participation, omitting the physical aspect of "lock out".

prevent entry

Similar to "bar entry", but more general and less forceful.

bar entry

Emphasizes the act of preventing someone from entering a place.

impede access

Suggests hindering or obstructing access, rather than completely preventing it.

seal off

Describes physically blocking entry to an area, often for security reasons.

isolate

Focuses on separating something or someone from others, which may include physical locking out.

cordon off

Similar to "seal off", often used by authorities to restrict access.

FAQs

How can I use "lock out" in a sentence?

You can use "lock out" in sentences like, "The company decided to "lock out" its employees during the negotiation period," or "The software is designed to "lock out" unauthorized users".

What's the difference between "lock out" and "exclude"?

"Lock out" often implies a physical or systemic barrier preventing access, while "exclude" is a more general term for preventing participation or inclusion. For example, you might "lock out" someone from a building, but you would "exclude" them from a competition.

What is the difference between "lockout" and "strike"?

A "lockout" is initiated by the employer to prevent employees from working, often during labor disputes, whereas a strike is initiated by the employees to refuse to work.

What can I say instead of "lock out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exclude", "deny access", or "bar entry". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.