safety lock
2
2.8
- noun
- /ˈseɪfti lɑk/
- The apartment door has a sturdy safety lock for additional protection.
Examples
-
The safety lock on the front door is broken.
-
Make sure the safety lock is engaged before leaving.
-
He forgot to release the safety lock, so the gate wouldn't open.
-
Please make sure the safety lock is engaged before you leave the house.
-
The door is secure because of the safety lock that prevents unauthorized entry.
-
Make sure the safety lock is engaged before leaving the building to ensure no one can get in.
-
To enhance security, we installed a safety lock on the back gate.
Synonyms
552
1.0
A device that holds doors or containers closed with a key
43
2.6
A small metal part that holds a door or gate closed
26
4.4
A metal bar that slides into a door or window to lock it
20
2.2
A small metal device with a U-shaped bar that closes to secure doors or gates
1
1.8
A thing on a door that stops people from opening it unless they have a key or code
1
4.2
A metal bar you slide to lock and unlock a door or gate
1
3.5
A lock you open by putting a key in and turning it
1
4.5
A metal bar on a door that you lock from inside to stop people entering
1
6.7
A device that keeps a door or safe closed until someone lifts the levers to the right heights
1
5.1
A metal bar you move to lock a door or gate
How Secure
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'safety' (protection, preventing harm) + 'lock' (a fastening device): a lock that provides safety. This noun–noun compound follows a common cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Safety lock is a lock or bolt placed on a door or gate to keep it safe by stopping it from being opened from the outside. So, it means 'a device that keeps a door or gate closed to protect a home'.