Blocked vs. Locked: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 2, 2023
"Blocked" means obstructed or hindered, whereas "locked" refers to being securely fastened or sealed.
Key Differences
"Blocked" often conveys an obstruction or hindrance, preventing movement or access. On the other hand, "locked" directly implies a secure fastening, often using a key, combination, or other mechanism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
A road can be "blocked" by debris, preventing vehicles from passing. Conversely, a door is typically "locked" to prevent unauthorized access, using a key or code.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
When someone says an account is "blocked," it may be due to security reasons or violations. In contrast, when an account is "locked," it often means too many incorrect password attempts were made.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
"Blocked" can also be used metaphorically, such as when one feels mentally "blocked" and unable to think clearly. "Locked," however, often carries more literal interpretations, like when a person is "locked" in their thoughts or decisions, meaning they're firm and unyielding.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
While "blocked" and "locked" might occasionally overlap in some contexts, they generally convey distinct scenarios; one indicating obstruction and the other indicating secure fastening.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Can describe physical and metaphorical hindrances
Often describes physical fastening
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
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Blocked and Locked Definitions
Blocked
Obstructed or hindered from movement.
The road was blocked by fallen trees.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
Barred from use.
My credit card was blocked after suspicious activities.
Harlon Moss
Sep 29, 2023
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Locked
Engaged or intertwined with another.
The two wrestlers were locked in combat.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A solid piece of a hard substance, such as wood, having one or more flat sides.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
Determined; unchangeable.
His mind was locked, and he wouldn't reconsider.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
A device operated by a key, combination, or keycard and used, as on a door, for holding, closing, or securing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
Such a piece upon which chopping or cutting is done
A butcher's block.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
A section of a waterway, such as a canal, closed off with gates, in which vessels in transit are raised or lowered by raising or lowering the water level of that section.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
One of a set of small wooden or plastic pieces, such as a cube, bar, or cylinder, used as a building toy.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
(Sports) A hold in wrestling or self-defense that is secured on a part of an opponent's body.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
A secure hold; control
The distributor has a lock on most of the market.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A stand from which articles are displayed and sold at an auction
Many priceless antiques went on the block.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A substance, such as wood or stone, that has been prepared for engraving.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To confine or exclude by or as if by means of a lock
Locked the dog in for the night.
Locked the criminal up in a cell.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To fix in place so that movement or escape is impossible; hold fast
The ship was locked in the ice through the winter. She felt that she had become locked into a binding agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To sight and follow (a moving target) automatically
Locked the enemy fighter in the gun sights.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A set of like items, such as shares of stock, sold or handled as a unit.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To aim (a weapon or other device) at a moving target so as to follow it automatically
"The pilot had locked his targeting radar on the slow-moving frigate" (Ed Magnuson).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A group of four or more unseparated postage stamps forming a rectangle.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To clasp or link firmly; intertwine or interlock
Locked arms and walked away.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To bind in close struggle or battle
The two dogs were locked in combat.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A usually rectangular section of a city or town bounded on each side by consecutive streets.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
A segment of a street bounded by consecutive cross streets and including its buildings and inhabitants.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To invest (funds) in such a way that they cannot easily be converted into cash.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
Something that obstructs; an obstacle
The disabled car formed a block in traffic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To end the processing of (a magnetic tape or disk) in such a way as to deny access to its contents.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(Football) An act of legally using one's body to obstruct or move a defensive player so that a player in possession of the ball may advance downfield, pass, or otherwise execute an offensive play.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To become fastened by or as if by means of a lock
The door locks automatically when shut.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(Medicine) Interruption or obstruction of a physiological function
Nerve block.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(Psychology) A sudden cessation of speech or a thought process without an immediate observable cause, sometimes considered a consequence of repression. Also called mental block.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
To become rigid or immobile
The mechanism tends to lock in cold weather.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
To stop or impede the passage of or movement through; obstruct
Block traffic.
Mud that blocked the pipe.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
To prevent from happening, succeeding, or progressing
Blocked every attempt to reform the rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
Having undergone locking; secured by a lock.
A locked door barred the way.
You can't delete a locked computer file.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(Sports) To prevent or slow the movement of (an opponent) by using one's body, as by making a block in football.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Locked
Firmly fastened or secured against opening;
Windows and doors were all fast
A locked closet
Left the house properly secured
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(Medicine) To interrupt or obstruct the functioning of (a physiological process), especially by the use of drugs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
To indicate broadly without great detail; sketch. Often used with out
Block out a plan of action.
Block out stage movements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
Obstructed, so that through movement or flow is prevented or impeded.
This road is blocked, so we must find another route.
Call a plumber to unclog the blocked drain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
Unable to move owing to an obstruction.
The argument was over a blocked car in a driveway.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(of a person, telephone number, IP address, etc.) Banned or barred from connecting or logging on.
Blocked users will be unable to access their accounts indefinitely.
The phone will reject calls from blocked numbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
(of a computer account or similar) Disabled or disconnected, so as to prevent access.
All of this user's accounts are now blocked.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
At a complete standstill because of opposition of two unrelenting forces or factions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Blocked
Completely obstructed or closed off;
The storm was responsible for many blocked roads and bridges
The drain was plugged
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
FAQs
Do both words come from Old English origins?
Yes, both "blocked" and "locked" have roots in Old English.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can "locked" imply something is secure?
Yes, "locked" often denotes secure fastening against unwanted access.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can an account be both "blocked" and "locked"?
Yes, though typically "blocked" suggests a ban, while "locked" implies temporary security measures.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Does "locked" always require a physical lock and key?
No, "locked" can refer to digital security or metaphorical firmness as well.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
What's the main distinction between "blocked" and "locked"?
"Blocked" suggests obstruction, while "locked" implies secure fastening.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
What does "locked in" mean?
"Locked in" often means committed or unable to change a decision or position.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is "blocked" only used for physical obstructions?
No, "blocked" can also describe metaphorical hindrances, like mental blocks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is "blocking" the act of making something "blocked"?
Yes, "blocking" refers to the act of obstructing or hindering.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Can traffic be "blocked"?
Yes, traffic can be "blocked" due to accidents, construction, or other reasons.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can "blocked" refer to a person's emotions?
Yes, someone can feel emotionally "blocked" or hindered.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Is a "lock" always necessary for something to be "locked"?
No, "locked" can be used more broadly to indicate any form of secure fastening.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Is "locked away" the same as "locked up"?
Generally, both mean securely confined, but "locked away" can emphasize long-term or hidden confinement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can you "lock" a gaze with someone?
Yes, you can "lock" gazes, meaning to make and maintain direct eye contact.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Is "blocked" synonymous with "banned" in digital contexts?
Often, but not always. "Blocked" can mean temporary or permanent restrictions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Are "block" and "lock" verbs?
Yes, "block" and "lock" are both verbs, as well as nouns.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
