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Glite Dictionary
lever lock

lever lock

6.7
A device that keeps a door or safe closed until someone lifts the levers to the right heights
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : cerradura de palanca
  • The security of the vault depends on a complex lever lock mechanism.

Examples

  • Many antique safes are equipped with a sturdy lever lock for extra protection.

  • The old lever lock on the door is broken.

  • A skilled locksmith was able to pick the old lever lock with ease.

  • Can you fix the lever lock for me?

  • The old lever lock on the door requires the keys to lift the levers before it will open.

  • He struggled with the lever lock, trying to raise the levers to unlock his bike.

  • To secure the gate, she installed a robust lever lock that needed precise lever adjustments.

Synonyms

lock
vslever lock
523 1.0

A device that holds doors or containers closed with a key

is a specific kind using internal parts lifted precisely so the bolt can move
doorlock
vslever lock
1.8

A thing on a door that stops people from opening it unless they have a key or code

is defined by a precise internal mechanism needing parts to be lifted to free the bolt

How Secure

deadbolt
14 4.6
lever lock
  • Specialized
6.7
doorlock
1.8
latch
49 2.6

Surface Forms

lever lock singular
lever locks plural

Morphology

lever + lock

This is a straightforward noun–noun compound where the overall meaning — a type of lock that uses levers — is directly built from 'lever' (a component that lifts/operates) + 'lock' (a fastening device). A B1 learner who knows both words can reliably infer that a 'lever lock' is a lock operated by levers, though fine mechanical details would require specialist knowledge.

Etymology

The term lever lock comes from the metal lever pieces inside the lock. A key lifts each lever to the right height so the bolt can move and the lock will 'open', so the name shows how the lock works.