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noun

lockdown

LOK-down
noun
1
A period in which people are required to stay in a confined place or area, usually for safety during an emergency.
"The school went into lockdown after reports of an intruder."
"Many people took up baking during the pandemic lockdown."

How to Use Lockdown

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA restriction confining people to a building or area for safety, whether in a prison, school, or wider public health emergency.

Common pairings
go into lockdown pandemic lockdown school lockdown

Word Forms

lockdowns plural

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Fill the Gap

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The school went into _____ after reports of an intruder.

Etymology

A noun formed from the phrasal verb "lock down".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial