padlock

[pad-lok]

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• unpadlocked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of padlock¹

First recorded in 1425–75, padlock is from the late Middle English word padlok. See pod ⁴, lock ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of padlock¹

C15 pad, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Kelly Grigg, the owner of the centre at Winnard's Perch, said the bolt and padlock to one of its aviaries had been "hit with force".

Read more on BBC

She padlocks the gate when she returns and buries witchy talismans around the property to ward off intruders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The 61-year-old accountant, who lives with his wife and daughter, had activated an alarm and put a padlock on the gate the night before.

Read more on Barron's

She’s laid off half the staff and joked about padlocking the door.

Read more on Salon

Onlookers, mostly locals, were greeted with padlocks and closed shutters.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• fastener 
• latch 
• pipe 
• rivet 
• rod 
• spike