lockout

American  

[lok-out] / ˈlɒkˌaʊt /

noun

1. the temporary closing of a business or the refusal by an employer to allow employees to come to work until they accept the employer's terms.

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lockout Cultural  

1. The withholding of work from employees and closing down of a plant by an employer during a labor dispute.

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Etymology

Origin of lockout

First recorded in 1850–55; noun use of verb phrase lock out

Explanation

A lockout is a company's response to workers who are disputing conditions or planning a strike. During a lockout, managers don't allow workers to come to work until they agree to the company's terms of employment. A lockout is sort of the opposite of a strike. During a strike, employees refuse to work until management agrees to compromise with them on issues like wages and working conditions. During a lockout, the company refuses to allow workers access to the workplace until they settle for the terms the owners and managers want to enforce. Sometimes just the threat of a lockout is enough to suppress protests and strikes.

Example Sentences

Or do the owners surrender on the salary cap, well aware that a 2027 lockout could drive away fans on the eve of media rights negotiations in 2028?

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

But 14 years later, the league is barreling toward another potential lockout with its game officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The NFL is facing a potential lockout with its game officials over money and officiating quality measures, with the current agreement expiring May 31.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

During a previous owners lockout, the association created a million-dollar fund to help pay the bills of stadium concession workers who were thrown out of work.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

In retaliation, Mr. Carter instituted a lockout, closing the mine to everybody.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• blockage
• closure
• interruption
• layoff
• shutdown
• walkout