padlock

[ pad-lok ]
See synonyms for padlock on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a portable or detachable lock with a pivoted or sliding shackle that can be passed through a link, ring, staple, or the like.

verb (used with object)
  1. to fasten with or as with a padlock.

Origin of padlock

1
First recorded in 1425–75, padlock is from the late Middle English word padlok.See pod4, lock1

Other words from padlock

  • un·pad·locked, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use padlock in a sentence

  • In some mysterious way the padlocked book had fallen into strange hands, and had been carried to America.

    Lazarre | Mary Hartwell Catherwood
  • The padlocked book seemed to have no more to do with the conversation, than a hat or a pair of gloves.

    Lazarre | Mary Hartwell Catherwood
  • The windows had their board shutters adjusted, the door was padlocked, and a small heap of sand had drifted in on the veranda.

    The Dragon's Secret | Augusta Huiell Seaman
  • "Perhaps he padlocked the jurors' lips," suggested Emily, whereat all three were merry.

    The Incendiary | W. A. (William Augustine) Leahy

British Dictionary definitions for padlock

padlock

/ (ˈpædˌlɒk) /


noun
  1. a detachable lock having a hinged or sliding shackle, which can be used to secure a door, lid, etc, by passing the shackle through rings or staples

verb
  1. (tr) to fasten with or as if with a padlock

Origin of padlock

1
C15 pad, of obscure origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012