Enlock

/ɪnˈlɑk/ verb

Definition

To lock something in or enclose; to shut up or confine within a locked space.

Etymology

From the prefix 'en-' (to cause to be) combined with 'lock,' from Old English 'loc' meaning a fastening device. This word has been used since medieval times to describe the action of locking something or someone in.

Kelly Says

Enlock is a beautiful example of how English used to love the 'en-' prefix for almost any action—medieval writers would 'enlock' treasures in chests and 'enlock' prisoners in towers, but over time we simplified to just 'lock in,' showing how languages naturally shed archaic prefixes when simpler alternatives work just as well.

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