- the confining of prisoners to their cells, as following a riot or other disturbance: The prison lockdown continues, more than three weeks after the death of a guard.
- a security measure taken during an emergency to prevent people from leaving or entering a building or other location: The school remains under lockdown due to police activity in the area.The governor implemented a statewide lockdown to slow the spread of the virus—residents may not leave their homes for nonessential activities.The army base was on lockdown after a report of shots fired.
- a freeze or pause: Banks aren’t lending during this credit lockdown.
- a security measure in which those inside a building such as a prison, school, or hospital are required to remain confined in it for a time
