Definition

Noun: A lock on an exterior door. It is a mechanism designed to secure a door, typically an outer door, by fastening it shut and preventing unauthorized entry.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The front doorlock was broken, so we couldn't secure the house.
  • He installed a new, more secure doorlock for better safety.
  • Please check that the doorlock is engaged before you leave.

Advanced Usage

• "to be behind a locked doorlock": to be securely inside a place.
  • The valuable documents were kept behind a locked doorlock.
• Concept of "first line of defense": A doorlock is often described as the primary security feature for a building.
  • A strong doorlock is your home's first line of defense.

Variants and Related Words

• Deadbolt (n): A type of doorlock that operates by a bolt being thrown horizontally into a socket in the door frame.
  • The deadbolt provides extra security compared to a simple spring latch.
• Latch (n): A simple fastening device, often part of a doorlock mechanism.
  • He lifted the latch and opened the gate.
• Padlock (n): A detachable lock with a hinged or sliding shackle, not typically integrated into a door but used to secure one.
  • They used a heavy padlock on the shed door.

Synonyms

• Lock: The general term for a fastening device.
• Fastening: A broader term for something that secures or closes.

Related Phrases

• "Lock the door": The common instruction involving a doorlock.
  • Don't forget to lock the door when you go out.
• "Change the locks": To replace old doorlocks with new ones, often for security reasons.
  • After losing the keys, they had to change all the locks on the doors.

Noun

1. a lock on an exterior door