Phrase guide

lock on

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /ˌlɒk ˈɒn/
  • US: /ˌlɑk ˈɑn/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To begin tracking a target via an automated system.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To cause a missile to track (a target).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To engage in a lock-on protest.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: śledzić — to begin tracking a target via an automated system
  • Spanish: fijarse — to begin tracking a target via an automated system
  • Polish: celować — to cause a missile to track
  • Polish: wycelować — to cause a missile to track
  • Spanish: fijar — to cause a missile to track
  • Spanish: encauzar — to cause a missile to track