Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rigidly synchronized marching style: A manner of marching in a single file where each person's leg moves in precise unison with and directly behind the leg of the person ahead.
   • A condition of rigid, unthinking conformity: A standard procedure or pattern of behavior that is followed mindlessly, without deviation or independent thought.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal Marching): The soldiers practiced moving in lockstep. The prisoner's ankles were so chained together that they could only march in lockstep.

• Noun (Figurative Conformity): The committee members voted in lockstep, offering no dissenting opinions. The union's support had been in lockstep for years.

Advanced Usage

• "In lockstep with (someone/something)": Used to describe moving or acting in perfect synchronization or agreement with another person, group, or trend.

Variants and Related Words

• Lockstep can function attributively as an adjective in phrases like "lockstep conformity" or "lockstep march."

Synonyms

• Conformity: Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions.
• Unison: Simultaneous performance of action or utterance of speech.
• Synchronization: The operation or activity of two or more things at the same time or rate.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "March in lockstep": To behave or proceed in absolute conformity with others.
• "Follow in lockstep": To imitate or adhere to something precisely and without question.

Noun

1. a manner of marching in file in which each person's leg moves with and behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead
   • the prisoner's ankles were so chained together that they could only march in lockstep
2. a standard procedure that is followed mindlessly
   • the union's support had been in lockstep for years