Lock sth out Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Lock sth out” Mean?

“Lock sth out” means to prevent something or someone from entering a place by locking the door or another entry point. It can also mean to block or exclude something mentally or physically.

Introduction

The phrase “lock sth out” is a common phrasal verb in English that refers to stopping something from getting inside a place or your mind. The “sth” stands for “something,” which means the object being locked out can be anything, such as a person, noise, or even thoughts. Understanding the lock sth out meaning helps learners use it properly in both literal and figurative contexts. Whether you want to talk about locking yourself out of a room or mentally blocking distractions, this phrase is very useful in daily conversations and writing.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: lock something out
• Type: transitive
• Level: B1 (Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To prevent something from entering by locking

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Lock sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object either between “lock” and “out” or after the whole phrase.

• lock something out
• lock out something

Examples:

• She locked the noise out by closing the window.
• She locked out the noise by closing the window.

How to Use “Lock sth out”?

Use “lock sth out” when you want to express the action of preventing something from entering or affecting a place or your mind. It is often used in both physical and figurative contexts. In physical situations, it refers to locking doors or windows to keep people or animals out. Figuratively, it can mean blocking unwanted thoughts or feelings.

Examples

Here are some examples of “lock sth out” in sentences:

• He locked the cold air out by closing all the windows tightly.
• She locked her worries out to focus on the exam.
• Don’t forget to lock the burglars out by securing the front door.
• They locked the competitors out of the meeting by changing the password.
• Lock sth out in a sentence: I locked the noise out by wearing earplugs.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse “lock sth out” with “lock out” without an object or use it incorrectly in sentences.

• Incorrect: I locked out the door.
• Correct: I locked the door out. (Meaning locking something outside)
• Incorrect: She locked out her thoughts.
• Correct: She locked her thoughts out.

Differences / Synonyms

“Lock sth out” is similar to “keep sth out” or “shut sth out,” but there are subtle differences. “Lock sth out” usually involves a physical lock or a strong barrier. “Keep sth out” is more general and can mean any method of preventing entry. “Shut sth out” often refers to mentally blocking something.

• Lock sth out: Physically or mentally prevent entry, often with a lock.
• Keep sth out: Prevent entry by any means.
• Shut sth out: Mentally block or exclude.

Common Collocations

Lock sth out is frequently used with these objects:

• Noise: Prevent sound from entering.
• Cold air: Stop cold air from coming inside.
• People/strangers: Prevent someone from entering.
• Thoughts/worries: Block unwanted mental distractions.
• Competitors: Exclude others from access.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of lock sth out:

• Lock Sb Out
• Lock Sb Up
• Lock Sb Out Of Sth
• Lock Sb Away
• Lock Sth In

Real-life Dialogue

Here’s a simple conversation using “lock sth out”:

Anna: It’s so noisy outside today.

Ben: I know. I locked the noise out by closing all the windows.

Anna: Good idea! I should lock the cold air out too.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “lock sth out”:

• I always _______ the distractions _______ when I study.
• We need to _______ the burglars _______ before leaving the house.
• She _______ the cold air _______ by shutting the door.

FAQs

• What does “lock sth out” mean? It means to prevent something from entering by locking or blocking it.
• Is “lock sth out” separable? Yes, you can place the object between “lock” and “out” or after the phrase.
• Can “lock sth out” be used figuratively? Yes, it can mean blocking thoughts or feelings mentally.
• What is the difference between “lock sth out” and “keep sth out”? “Lock sth out” usually involves a lock or barrier, while “keep sth out” is more general.
• Is “lock out” the same as “lock sth out”? “Lock out” can be used without an object, but “lock sth out” always has an object.