Blocked vs. Locked: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Blocked" refers to being obstructed or hindered, while "locked" denotes being fastened or secured, often with a key or mechanism.
Difference Between Blocked and Locked
"Blocked" is a term that typically implies an obstruction or hindrance to the normal function or path. It can be used in various contexts, such as in digital communication, traffic scenarios, or even plumbing. For example, an email might be blocked due to its suspicious nature, or a road might be blocked due to construction. In the digital world, especially on social media platforms, being blocked often implies that one user has prevented another from accessing their profile or sending them messages.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
On the other hand, "locked" is more about security and restraint. When something is locked, it means that it's been fastened securely, typically requiring a specific key, code, or mechanism to access or open it. It's a term that often comes up in scenarios involving doors, safes, or even digital files. A locked door prevents unauthorized access, and a locked phone requires a passcode or fingerprint.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
While both "blocked" and "locked" imply restriction, the nature and purpose of the restriction are what set them apart. A "blocked" path doesn't necessarily mean it's secured against intrusion; it simply means there's an obstruction. Conversely, a "locked" door is specifically designed to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring the security of whatever lies behind it.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Another distinguishing factor is the ease with which the restriction can be undone. While "blocked" often implies a temporary hindrance that can be cleared away, "locked" suggests a more deliberate intent to secure something, often needing specific tools or information to undo. For instance, a blocked sink might just need some plunging, but a locked safe would require the correct combination.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Blocked vs. Locked Comparison Chart
Definition
Being obstructed or hindered.
Being fastened or secured, often with a key or mechanism.
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Sep 26, 2023
Usage Scenarios
Digital communication, traffic, plumbing.
Doors, safes, digital files.
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Sep 26, 2023
Nature of Restriction
Temporary or situational.
Deliberate and typically more permanent.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Ease of Removal
Often easier to clear or undo.
Requires specific tools, keys, or information to undo.
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Sep 26, 2023
Blocked vs. Locked Definitions
◉Blocked
Filled or closed tightly so that nothing can pass.
The drain was blocked with leaves.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Locked
Held or stuck in a particular position or place.
The wheels were locked, making it impossible to move the vehicle.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Blocked
A solid piece of a hard substance, such as wood, having one or more flat sides.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
Fastened or secured using a lock.
The door remained locked throughout the night.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Locked
Unable to be changed or accessed without a specific key or code.
The files were locked to protect sensitive data.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
◉Blocked
Such a piece upon which chopping or cutting is done
a butcher's block.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
Engaged or intertwined securely.
Their hands were locked in a firm grip.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Locked
A device operated by a key, combination, or keycard and used, as on a door, for holding, closing, or securing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
One of a set of small wooden or plastic pieces, such as a cube, bar, or cylinder, used as a building toy.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A stand from which articles are displayed and sold at an auction
Many priceless antiques went on the block.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
(Sports) A hold in wrestling or self-defense that is secured on a part of an opponent's body.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A mold or form on which an item is shaped or displayed
a hat block.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
A secure hold; control
The distributor has a lock on most of the market.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A substance, such as wood or stone, that has been prepared for engraving.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A set of like items, such as shares of stock, sold or handled as a unit.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A group of four or more unseparated postage stamps forming a rectangle.
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◉Locked
To sight and follow (a moving target) automatically
locked the enemy fighter in the gun sights.
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May 03, 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).
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A usually rectangular section of a city or town bounded on each side by consecutive streets.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
To clasp or link firmly; intertwine or interlock
locked arms and walked away.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
A segment of a street bounded by consecutive cross streets and including its buildings and inhabitants.
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◉Locked
To bind in close struggle or battle
The two dogs were locked in combat.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
Something that obstructs; an obstacle
The disabled car formed a block in traffic.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
To invest (funds) in such a way that they cannot easily be converted into cash.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
(Sports) An act of bodily obstruction, as of a player or the ball.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
To end the processing of (a magnetic tape or disk) in such a way as to deny access to its contents.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
(Medicine) Interruption or obstruction of a physiological function
nerve block.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
To become fastened by or as if by means of a lock
The door locks automatically when shut.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
To stop or impede the passage of or movement through; obstruct
block traffic.
mud that blocked the pipe.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
To become rigid or immobile
The mechanism tends to lock in cold weather.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
To prevent from happening, succeeding, or progressing
blocked every attempt to reform the rules.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
To stop the passage of (a motion or bill) in a legislative assembly.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
Having undergone locking; secured by a lock.
A locked door barred the way.
You can't delete a locked computer file.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
(Sports) To prevent or slow the movement of (an opponent) by using one's body, as by making a block in football.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
(Medicine) To interrupt or obstruct the functioning of (a physiological process), especially by the use of drugs.
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May 03, 2023
◉Locked
firmly fastened or secured against opening;
windows and doors were all fast
a locked closet
left the house properly secured
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
To indicate broadly without great detail; sketch. Often used with out
block out a plan of action.
block out stage movements.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
To suffer a mental block. Often used with on
I blocked on his name.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
Unable to move owing to an obstruction.
The argument was over a blocked car in a driveway.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
at a complete standstill because of opposition of two unrelenting forces or factions.
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
completely obstructed or closed off;
the storm was responsible for many blocked roads and bridges
the drain was plugged
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May 03, 2023
◉Blocked
Obstructed from normal function or path.
The road was blocked due to a fallen tree.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Blocked
Prevented from accessing or communicating.
I was blocked by that user on social media.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Blocked
Interrupted by an obstruction.
His shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Blocked
Hindered or stopped from progressing.
The project was blocked by bureaucratic red tape.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
Blocked vs. Locked Frequently Asked Questions
Is a "blocked" contact the same as a "locked" contact?
No, a blocked contact means they cannot reach you, while "locked" isn't typically used in this context.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
What does "blocked" generally imply?
Blocked usually refers to an obstruction or hindrance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can a door be both blocked and locked?
Yes, a door can be locked for security and blocked by an object hindering its opening.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
How is "locked" typically used?
Locked denotes being securely fastened, often needing a key or mechanism to open.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Is being "locked in a contract" similar to being "blocked"?
No, being locked in a contract means bound by its terms, whereas being blocked isn't used in this context.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can a file on a computer be blocked or locked?
Yes, a file can be blocked from being accessed or locked with encryption or a password.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Which term, blocked or locked, indicates stronger security?
Locked usually indicates stronger security as it requires a specific method to undo.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
If a road is blocked, does it mean it's locked?
No, a blocked road indicates an obstruction, while locked would mean secured against access.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.