lock out
US /lɑk aʊt/
UK /lɑk aʊt/
1.
to prevent someone from entering a place by locking the doors
:
•
I accidentally locked myself out of the house.
•
The landlord threatened to lock them out if they didn't pay the rent.
2.
to prevent a worker or group of workers from entering their place of work until they agree to certain conditions
:
•
The company decided to lock out the striking employees.
•
The union feared the management would lock out their members.