Dic: lock as a verb meaning fixed position or situation

3【FIXED POSITION】 [I/T] △to become fixed in one position and impossible to move, or to make something become fixed

• The wheels suddenly locked.

lock sth around/round sth

• He locked his hands around the younger man's throat.
• A moment later they were locked in an embrace (=holding each other very tightly in a loving or friendly way).
• Their eyes locked together (=they could not look away from each other) for an instant.

4【FIXED SITUATION】 [T usually passive] △if you are locked in a situation, you cannot get out of it
be locked in/into sth

• Security forces and militants are locked in a vicious cycle of killing.
• The company is locked into a three year contract with PARCO.

be locked in battle/combat/dispute etc. △to be involved in a long, serious argument or fight with someone

• They are now locked in a bitter custody battle over the three children.

..... LDOCE