lockout

[ lok-out ]

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lockout¹

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

Example Sentences

During the lockout, rail networks in the US and Mexico will continue to operate.

From BBC

The two sides met as recently as Friday night, minutes before the lockout began, Mr. Yeager said.

From New York Times

The lockout comes 60 days after members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local I-66 rejected Boeing’s contract offer, a news release states.

From Seattle Times

Major League Soccer deserves a straight red card for its handling of the officials’ lockout, which will enter its second month this weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

Garber and the league need to pressure PRO to resolve the lockout immediately.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blockage
• closure
• cutoff
• interruption
• layoff
• shutdown
• walkout