What does lockdown mean?
Lockdown usually means a period during which normal movement and activity are sharply restricted, especially to control the spread of an infectious disease. It can also refer more broadly to the closure of buildings, roads, facilities, or services, and historically to the confinement of prisoners in their cells. In the COVID-19 era, the word became closely associated with national or local restrictions on travel, work, schooling, and social gatherings. As a verb, to lock down means to impose such restrictions, or to secure a place or system so that access and normal operations are limited. The term is often associated with government action and can imply a high level of disruption, though its meaning does not always indicate whether a restriction is legally compulsory or voluntary. Today, lockdown is common in public-health, security, institutional, and business contexts.
A period or condition of restricted movement, access, or normal activity, especially imposed during a public-health emergency or other serious disruption.
"The lockdown was gradually eased after new cases declined."
Also used for the closure of a facility or system, and historically for confinement in prison cells.
To restrict movement or normal activity, or to secure a place or system by limiting access to it.
"The airport locked down all nonessential operations during the storm."
Usually written as the phrasal verb lock down; the passive form is commonly locked down.
The plural is used for separate periods of restriction, different locations affected by restrictions, or multiple closures of a facility or system.
"Several lockdowns in the region affected schools and local businesses."
Before COVID-19, lockdown was largely a prison and military term; the pandemic turned it into an everyday word for national life being put on hold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lockdown come from?
Lockdown was formed in the 19th century from the verb lock and the adverb down, originally referring to confinement in a locked cell or the securing of prisoners in prison. Its military use developed before it was applied more broadly to restrictions on public life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the word became widely used for emergency measures intended to limit transmission of the virus.
Related word forms
How lockdown is actually used
The noun is most commonly associated with public-health restrictions, especially those imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can also describe other broad closures or security measures. In the verb form, lock down is normally written as two words.
Easily confused with lockdown
A lockdown restricts the movement or activities of a population, whereas a lockout is typically an employer's refusal to allow employees to work during a dispute.