Lock down Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To secure a place by preventing people from entering or leaving, often for safety reasons like an emergency or a pandemic.
Usage & Nuances
'Lock down' is often used for strict emergency situations, like school threats or health crises. As a noun, it's 'lockdown.' 'Lock down the building' (verb) means take immediate protective action. Don't confuse with 'lock up' (secure something physically) or 'shut down' (close operations).
Example Sentences
They locked down the school after hearing a threat.
basic
The city will lock down tonight to stop the virus spreading.
basic
Everyone had to lock down during the emergency.
basic
The government decided to lock down the entire region for two weeks.
natural
If there’s a fire alarm, teachers know exactly how to lock down their classrooms.
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After the escape, the prison was immediately locked down to search for the missing inmate.
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