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Synonyms

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.

lockout Cultural  

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

Etymology

Origin of lockout

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The longer it takes for the two sides to reach a deal, the higher the chances of a lockout or missed games.

From MarketWatch

Manfred has said he views a lockout as a negotiating tool.

From Los Angeles Times

The current agreement expires Dec. 1, and a lockout is widely expected.

From Los Angeles Times

Demands for a cap will meet with strong resistance from the MLB Players Union, raising the prospect of a labor stoppage -- a player strike or a lockout by owners -- that could disrupt the 2027 season.

From Barron's

If a lockout is happening next January, as it likely will be, the fan festival will not be happening.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.