1. A situation where a customer or user becomes dependent on a vendor's products or services, making it difficult to switch to a competitor
   "The proprietary software created a lock-in effect for many businesses"
    
2. An organized event or security measure where people remain confined within a building or area for an extended period, often overnight
   "The school implemented a lock-in after reports of a suspicious person nearby"; "The youth group's lock-in at the community centre was a fun bonding experience"

1. Close with or as if with a tight seal
   "This vacuum pack locks in the flavour!";
   - seal in
    
2. To secure or commit to a particular course of action, price, or agreement
   "They decided to lock in the interest rate before it potentially increased""

Derived forms: locking in, locked in, lock-ins, locks in

Type of: confine

Encyclopedia: Lock-in