lock-in

[ lok-in ]

noun

1. an act or instance of becoming unalterable, unmovable, or rigid.
2. commitment, binding, or restriction.

lock-in

noun

1. an illegal session of selling alcohol in a bar after the time when it should, by law, be closed

Word History and Origins

Origin of lock-in¹

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase lock in

Example Sentences

The law's supporters have been counting on a lock-in effect to make the law hard to repeal.

From The Daily Beast

Lock-in is the decreased likelihood to search for, or change to, another option once an investment in something has been made.

From The Daily Beast

To every appeal they heartlessly refused to divulge the key to the lock-in.

From Project Gutenberg