The term "gunlock" refers to a mechanical device that secures a firearm, preventing accidental discharge or unauthorized use. It typically involves a locking mechanism integrated into or attached to a gun, often requiring a key, combination, or biometric verification to disengage. The word combines "gun" and "lock," directly indicating its function of securing firearms.

Pronunciation

The phonetic transcription of "gunlock" is /ˈɡʌnlɒk/ in British English and /ˈɡʌnlɑːk/ in American English.

Core Meaning

A gunlock is a security device designed to prevent unauthorized access to or discharge of a firearm. It can be built into the gun (integrated lock) or added as an accessory (aftermarket lock), using mechanisms like keyed locks, combination locks, fingerprint scanners, or cable locks.

Usage Examples

The hunter always uses a gunlock when transporting his rifle in the truck.

Federal law requires certain firearms to include a child-resistant gunlock.

She purchased a biometric gunlock for her home defense weapon to balance safety and accessibility.

The gunlock's combination dial was worn, making it difficult to open quickly in an emergency.

Police recommend using a gunlock even for firearms stored in locked safes as an extra precaution.

The manufacturer recalled 5,000 gunlocks due to a defect that allowed them to disengage accidentally.

He forgot the code to his gunlock and had to contact customer service for assistance.

Gun safety courses often demonstrate proper gunlock installation and removal techniques.

The cable-style gunlock threads through the barrel and trigger guard to prevent firing.

Homeowners insurance may offer discounts for homes with firearms secured by approved gunlocks.

Common Phrases

Keyed gunlock: A lock requiring a physical key to open

Combination gunlock: A lock opened by entering a numeric code

Biometric gunlock: A lock using fingerprint or other biological data for access

Trigger lock: A type of gunlock that fits over the trigger area

Cable gunlock: A flexible steel cable that threads through the gun's action

Gunlocks serve as a critical safety measure, particularly in households with children or visitors, by creating a physical barrier to accidental or unauthorized firearm use. When selecting a gunlock, users should balance security needs with the speed required for legitimate access, especially for self-defense weapons.