fechadura, cadeado, mecha
1. A fastening device operated by a key, combination, or other mechanism
She turned the key in the lock.
Ela virou a chave na fechadura.
2. A strand or curl of hair
He had beautiful golden locks.
Ele tinha belos cachos dourados.
3. To secure something with a lock
Lock the door when you leave.
Tranche a porta ao sair.
4. To become fixed or immobile
The brakes locked up on the icy road.
Os freios travaram na estrada gelada.
5. A section of a canal or waterway with gates that control water level
The ship passed through the lock.
O navio passou pela eclusa.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'trancar' is the most common verb for locking doors in daily conversation, while 'fechadura' refers to the lock mechanism itself. The word 'cadeado' (padlock) is used for portable locks. In American English, 'lock' is fundamental to concepts of security and privacy, reflecting cultural emphasis on personal property protection.
NYC Slang
lock it down (secure something or control a situation); lock in (confirm or finalize)
Related Idioms & Phrases
under lock and key (kept secure and hidden)
lock and key (complete security system)
lock horns (engage in conflict)
lock someone in (commit to an agreement)
lock someone out (prevent entry)
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